​RGP officer takes part in Police Observer Programme at Commonwealth Games

An officer of the Royal Gibraltar Police spent five days at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham to see what the RGP could learn from the experience.

This formed part of a Police Observer Programme, set up by the Foreign Office in order to share expertise. Superintendent Mark Wyan was one of 15 high-ranking police officers from across the Commonwealth nations invited to take part.

He says there was a big focus on public safety rather than public order, to ensure security was in place but wasn't overwhelming - adding the operation also made great use of technology.

The RGP says it's hoped this will help the RGP plan for events such as the Island Games, music festivals and military parades.

The West Midlands Police spent four years planning for the Commonwealth Games, which saw an estimated one million people descend on Birmingham - with three thousand police officers involved in the operation, as well as private security staff, Armed Forces personnel, and fire and ambulance services.

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