Glasto Police Webchat

[Bill Syke's Dog]

Nothing particularly revelatory but you may want to browse in case you missed the webchat yesterday.

Merry Weather

Inspector Shirley, I am thinking of moving to Castle Cary. What is the crime level like in Castle Cary?

Shirley

In response to Merry Weather's question: "Inspector Shirley, I am thinking of moving to Castle Cary. What is the crime level like in Castle Cary?"

Shirley: Hi Merry, thanks for your question. If you go to www.police.uk and type in your postcode, it will give you the crime figures.

Grumpy farmer

Good evening Inspector, I have to commend the constabulary on previous festivals in relation to the policing of the local communities around Pilton, how can you assure us that we will not go un-noticed in relation to the local policing plans, we have suffered previously with petty crime and unsavoury types sleeping in our barns etc, what will you be doing to make sure the locals get a fair deal.

Alex

Hi, could you compare the use of CCTV across the site with previous years? A few years ago I recall it feeling a bit OTT with cameras seemingly everywhere. Felt uncomfortable

Shirley

In response to Grumpy farmer's question: "Good evening Inspector, I have to commend the constabulary on previous festivals in relation to the policing of the local communities around Pilton, how can you assure us that we will not go un-noticed in relation to the local policing plans, we have suffered previously with petty crime and unsavoury types sleeping in our barns etc, what will you be doing to make sure the locals get a fair deal."

Shirley: Hi grumpy, as well as a comprehensive on site policing plan, we also have an offsite plan in conjunction with the festival organisers who provide security staff. In the last few years there have been very few offences reported off site and no incidents of public nuisance. We will have a visible presence of Neighbourhood Policing staff and we work closely with the GFL security team. There will also be a 24/7 staffed police post at the Pilton Village Hall.

Jerome

Hello from France. It'll be our first Glastonbury

Moderator

Hello Jerome, welcome to the chat.

Tweets

On Twitter @MrGrumpySlade has asked "Is it legal to smoke crack on the stone circle?"

Moderator

Tweets is one of our team.

Shirley

In response to Alex's question: "Hi, could you compare the use of CCTV across the site with previous years? A few years ago I recall it feeling a bit OTT with cameras seemingly everywhere. Felt uncomfortable"

Shirley: Hi Alex, It is important to strike a balance with CCTV so as not to be intrusive but to allow monitoring in case of crime, crowd control issues etc. At the end of each festival, in conjuction with the organisers, we evaluate use of CCTV to improve opportunities for the following year. I can assure you the coverage will be as discreet as possible.

Shirley

Bonjour Jerome, we hope you enjoy the festival.

Jason

Hello Shirley, I'm a RPU volunteer, who can I talk to about volunteering at Glastonbury?

Grumpy farmer

I look forward to a successful and peaceful two weeks, I have every confidence in the constabulary as always, catch all the 'wrong-uns' and continue to keep our communities safe,

Shirley

In response to Tweets's question: "On Twitter @MrGrumpySlade has asked "Is it legal to smoke crack on the stone circle?""

Shirley: Hi Mr Grumpy Slade, illegal drugs are no more legal on site than off. The festival site will be policed as any other place in the country. You will face arrest, prosecution and eviction from the site if you possess or sell drugs.

Moderator

Info on drugs here: http://glastonburypolice.com/stay-safe/drugs/

Thomas of Kent

What are the views on nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas)

Shirley

In response to Jason 's question: "Hello Shirley, I'm a RPU volunteer, who can I talk to about volunteering at Glastonbury?"

Shirley: Hi Jason, the best person to talk to is Inspector Mark Nicholson at Wells. He is co-ordinating the use of volunteers for crime prevention. His contact details are on the Avon and Somerset Police website.

Jason

Thanks, Shirley.

Shirley

In response to Thomas of Kent 's question: "What are the views on nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) "

Shirley: Hi Thomas, use of nitrous oxide is not a laughing matter!

Dave

I heard its not wise to put a lock on your tent because it lets people know there's something worth stealing inside. Is that true?

Shirley

Nitrous oxide is not illegal but this doesn't mean it is safe to use. It is illegal to sell to under 18s if likely to be inhaled. My advice is don't bother.

Worthyliz

Hi Shirley, Liz here from Worthy Fm. I'm going to be heading up the news team so just thought I'd say hello! Look forward to meeting you down on site.

DSFireXO

Just dropped in to say D&S Fire & Rescue Service are looking forward to working with your team again this year

Tweets

From Twitter: @Billsykesdog asks "What is the correct response if you witness what you think is an unlawful altercation between someone and the security staff?"

Grumpy farmer

Dave, are you for real.....use your savvy please......

Shirley

In response to Dave's question: "I heard its not wise to put a lock on your tent because it lets people know there's something worth stealing inside. Is that true?"

Shirley: Padlocks do tend to say 'I have something worth nicking in here'. The best place to keep your valuables is at home or in the free property lock ups located around the site. these are easy to find and shown on the map available on the official Glastonbury web site.

Dave

I've never put a lock on mine but my friend is a first time festival goer and is worried

Moderator

Information on Nitrous Oxide: http://www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide

Shirley

In response to Worthyliz's question: "Hi Shirley, Liz here from Worthy Fm. I'm going to be heading up the news team so just thought I'd say hello! Look forward to meeting you down on site."

Shirley: Hi Liz, look forward to meeting you.

Grumpy farmer

Have to go Inspector, one late Ewe to lamb. Good luck.

Shirley

In response to DSFireXO's question: "Just dropped in to say D&S Fire & Rescue Service are looking forward to working with your team again this year"

Shirley: Hi DSfire. I think I know who you are... see you at the festival and looking forward to seeing you. Like your barbecue advise earlier. Retweeted by @policeatglasto

DSFireXO

Have a follow of @Glasto2013Fire as we will be working hard with partners to keep the festival safe and therefore fun

Shirley

In response to Tweets's question: "From Twitter: @Billsykesdog asks "What is the correct response if you witness what you think is an unlawful altercation between someone and the security staff?""

Shirley: Hi Billy, it depends on what it is you witness. If you believe it's unlawful raise it with us and we will deal with it appropriately.

DSFireXO

Thanks Shirley take care all and see you at the Farm

Sam

Hi, I was just wondering if you would help me put up my tent?

Shirley

Hi Sam, unlikely but you never know...

Sam

Lol

Sam

Grumpy farmer!!

luke

How does policing the festival effect policing across other parts of the county

Shirley

In response to luke's question: "How does policing the festival effect policing across other parts of the county"

Shirley: Hi Luke, we police the festival without affecting core policing levels elsewhere. The resourcing is carefully planned in advance.

Shirley

Hi ScEgg

Carenza1

How do you hope to cut down on anti-social behaviour?

Bellyz

The traffic is a nightmare in the area, effects people's daily lives and jobs

Bellyz

never seems toget

Bellyz

any better

Shirley

In response to Carenza1's question: "How do you hope to cut down on anti-social behaviour?"

Shirley: Hi Carenza1, I assume you mean at the festival and not generally? We find most people want to have a relaxed, fun time and reports of ASB are few. There are a few people who may drink too much and become a nuisance. These are dealt with efficiently by either us or the security staff.

Renz

Thank you

Jessica

How do you plan on trying to keep drugs awy from Glastonbury after last year when my four year old neiece picked up a bag of Mandy someone had dropped and also what you gonna do about the fights ect

Jerome

what is the better time to leave ? I need to be at Southamtpton monday at 7.30 AM ?

absbabs

i'm also concerned about traffic as it affects me reaching elderly clients on time (i'm a home nurse)

Bellyz

They so called opened the gates earlier last time but never changed, I live 25 mins from the site and the traffic is queued past mine

Veteran

A few years back there was a spate of tent thefts even in the camper van fields, is the anything you can do different to stop gangs intent on spoiling the festival for people they must have got in with tickets?

Shirley

Hi Bellyz, I agree historicaly traffic has been a problem. In recent years the organisers have gone to great lengths to improve this by modernising the traffic management plan and opening the carparks early. The longest queues are between 0700 and 1300 on Wednesday 26th. Once most people are in the site, traffic movemt is not an issue. Chief Inspector john Holt has blogged regarding this on the Glastonbury Police website. Worth a read. i can guarantee he will be all over the traffic this year as he is the off site Bronze Commander. Absbabs, please be reassured we will work with the festival organisers to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Bellyz

Thanks for your reply

Bellyz

thisreply this

Bellyz

it's a bit of a joke, yeah it's busy between 7-1 but I still got to work, we don't get paid to take the day off, he may be off site bronze but he isn't going to shift mountains of traffic

Shirley

In response to Jessica's question: "How do you plan on trying to keep drugs awy from Glastonbury after last year when my four year old neiece picked up a bag of Mandy someone had dropped and also what you gonna do about the fights ect "

Shirley: Hi Jessica, there will be drug amnesty boxes at the entrances and searches by security. i refer to my previous answer to Mr Grumpy slade re drug use on site. Most people are there to have a good time and any fights are dealt with promptly by us and festival security. Ther are very few.

Tweets

@Billsykesdog asks "Has any security staff at Glasto ever been prosecuted for assault, false arrest, etc?"#

Tweets

@Billsykesdog asks "Will you be using ANPR at the entrances to car parks?"

Shirley

In response to Jerome's question: "what is the better time to leave ? I need to be at Southamtpton monday at 7.30 AM ?"

Shirley: Hi Jerome, in my experience there is an exodus after the Sunday headline act. Grab a few hours sleep then leave about 3 am.

Jerome

Thank you Shirley !

Shirley

In response to Veteran's question: "A few years back there was a spate of tent thefts even in the camper van fields, is the anything you can do different to stop gangs intent on spoiling the festival for people they must have got in with tickets? "

Shirley: Hi Veteran, fortunately very few tent thefts occur in comparison to the amount of people on site. We work with the festival organisers to prevent and detect these crimes if they happen. If you read the Glastonbury fine guide and our advice on the Glastonbury Police website on crime prevention you will find it useful.

Tweets

@Billsykesdog asks "How often do you make festival decisions at Gold level?"

Shirley

In response to Bellyz's question: "The traffic is a nightmare in the area, effects people's daily lives and jobs"

Shirley: Hi Bellyz, hopefully this year you will notice an improvement.

Shirley

In response to Tweets's question: "@Billsykesdog asks "Has any security staff at Glasto ever been prosecuted for assault, false arrest, etc?"#"

Shirley: Hi Billy, I don't have that information to hand, however if they have committed any offences, they would be dealt with in the same way as anyone else.

Shirley

In response to Tweets's question: "@Billsykesdog asks "How often do you make festival decisions at Gold level?""

Shirley: Hi Billy, the Gold Commander sets the overall policing strategy for the policing operation. Only the Silver Commander (tactical) would know how often Gold is consulted. It would only usually be if there were a critical or major incident.

Golfer11

Will the police have tolerance levels this year, will all revellers be prosecuted for possession of drugs, whatever class they are, if they are just chucked out of the site they just try to get back in, these are the problem children so to speak

Veteran

I would have though that the festival would have been a popular shift for you guys, is there a bit of a bit of a bun fight to cover shifts or do you have to cancel all leave?

Shirley

In response to Tweets's question: "@Billsykesdog asks "Will you be using ANPR at the entrances to car parks?""

Shirley: I'm afraid I can't give away all of our operational decisions and anyway use of these tactics would be intelligence led.

Tweets

@Billsykesdog asks: "How many undercover officers do you employ at the festival?"

Golfer11

Hey tweets, you are proper intelligent.....

Merry Weather

Are you recruiting more PCSos?

Moderator

Tweets is one of our team, posting tweets from the public as they come in. But yes they are also very intelligent.

Shirley

In response to Golfer11's question: "Will the police have tolerance levels this year, will all revellers be prosecuted for possession of drugs, whatever class they are, if they are just chucked out of the site they just try to get back in, these are the problem children so to speak"

Shirley: Hi golfer, I refer to my previous answer to Mr Grumpy Slade, basically the drugs policy for the festival is the same as anywhere else. Be prepared to be arrested and prosecuted. Eviction from the site is the decision of the festival staff who set the eviction policy.

Shirley

In response to Veteran's question: "I would have though that the festival would have been a popular shift for you guys, is there a bit of a bit of a bun fight to cover shifts or do you have to cancel all leave?"

Shirley: It's not a bad job to have although not so nice if trudging through mud all day! No affect on core policing as previously mentioned.

Shirley

In response to Tweets's question: "@Billsykesdog asks: "How many undercover officers do you employ at the festival?""

Shirley: Hi Billy, I'm sure you wouldn't really expect me to answer that....

Shirley

In response to Merry Weather's question: "Are you recruiting more PCSos?"

Shirley: Hi Merry, we have recently recruited PC's and are now recruiting Special Constables. When we do recruit PCSOs it will be on our website under the recruitment section.

Tweets

Thanks Mod

Golfer11

I have to break the silence,

Shirley

and there was me thinking I was going to get home early......

Merry Weather

Do you value PCSOs?

Golfer11

what is the long term weather forecast for the festival, historically it has been horrendous and very wet, are we prepared...

Shirley

In response to Merry Weather's question: "Do you value PCSOs? "

Shirley: Yes. I manage 13 of them at Radstock. They are great. Ask anyone who lives there.

Moderator

Golfer - here is a link to the Met Office site: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/events/glastonbury-festival#?tab=map&map=SignificantWeather&zoom=8&lon=-2.72&lat=51.15&fcTime=1371016800

Merry Weather

Given that police forces have to make 20% savings, do you think it is right that uniform items that are no longer actual uniform issue (i.e. police tunics) are kept and maintained in a central store purely for ceremonial purposes?

Shirley

In response to Merry Weather's question: "Given that police forces have to make 20% savings, do you think it is right that uniform items that are no longer actual uniform issue (i.e. police tunics) are kept and maintained in a central store purely for ceremonial purposes? "

Shirley: Hi Merry, I think you're in the wrong chat. the Chief Constables chat was yesterday....or today depending if you are a member of the force or a member of the public. I'm here for Glastonbury Questions. You can contact the Chief via the website.

Golfer11

Thank you moderator, although I was seeking the police response to rather inclement weather, sorry if I confused....

Moderator

Final questions please before we wrap up

Merry Weather

No, I'm not a member of a police force. Although I can understand you not wanting to answer that question or saying it should be directed at the chief constable, I was more interested in your own opinion as an Inspector and thats why I asked you. What do you think about the matter?

Moderator

Ok no more questions please.

Shirley

In response to Merry Weather's question: "No, I'm not a member of a police force. Although I can understand you not wanting to answer that question or saying it should be directed at the chief constable, I was more interested in your own opinion as an Inspector and thats why I asked you. What do you think about the matter?"

Shirley: I'm not aware what is kept in the central store so I can't answer. We are looking at ways of saving money everywhere at the moment so I would imagine uniform issue is srutinised as closely as everything else for money saving opportunities.

Moderator

Thank you for taking part, the chat will now close. Keep updated on our website: www.glastonburypolice.com

Shirley

Thanks everyone. Enjoy the festival and say hello if you see me on site.

[Smash1984]

Well that was a good read......

[russycarps]

well that's certainly put the "police are dull fuckers" stereotype to bed hasnt it

[knivesout]

"Is it legal to smoke crack on the stone circle?"

in the context of a police conversation, this is possibly one of my favourite things i have ever seen on the internet. sublime.

[The Nal]

well that's certainly put the "police are dull fuckers" stereotype to bed hasnt it

Edited June 13, 2013 by The Nal

[caroldecker]

^^^^

"I heard its not wise to put a lock on your tent because it lets people know there's something worth stealing inside. Is that true?"

...........

christ.........

[The_Amazing_Oblong]

Jessica

How do you plan on trying to keep drugs awy from Glastonbury after last year when my four year old neiece picked up a bag of Mandy someone had dropped and also what you gonna do about the fights ect

[Nice hymer]

I've been attending for 25 years odd... and have seen a few fights, certainly rare though, generally the most chilled place...

Sadly though, have never seen two naked girls fighting in the mud - but who knows what might happen this year ?