Policing Sports Events

There is widespread agreement that sport should cover the costs of policing within an event.
 
The key to ensuring safety at major events is an effective working relationship between the event organisers and its constabulary, and this partnership currently works well across the sector. 
 
Background 
  • increasing investment from sport over the last two decades has led to considerable improvements in comfort and security for spectators and the local community
  • developments such as all-seater stadia, increased CCTV and better-trained stewards have led to the overall cost of policing football falling from £40million to £30 million in recent years.
Status

The holders of sports events are charged a fee determined by the Chief Police Officer. However, proposals to extend these charges to include the cost of policing outside events would be:

  • Unfair. Sport’s net contribution to the Treasury is £5.5 billion every year. The ‘polluter pays’ principle does not apply here. Individuals attending sports events should also expect policing costs to be met from the taxes they pay.
  • Unworkable. It would be extremely difficult to define what constitutes a sport-related incident outside of an event.
  • Unaccountable. If clubs pay for police services outside of the ground, it would be reasonable for clubs to have a say over their deployment. 
Actions

The Government continues to monitor the contribution of sport to the cost of policing events and the Sport and Recreation Alliance continues to engage with the Home Office to ensure the right balance is struck when it comes to attributing cost. 
 
 

For more information please contact David Foster.

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