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Security measures in place for Royal visit 2 July 2008  COMPREHENSIVE security and event management arrangements will be in place ahead of The Princess Royal’s attendance at this year’s Tynwald Day ceremony.
The Isle of Man Constabulary is well versed in co-ordinating high-profile occasions and a team of specially trained officers has been tasked with meeting the additional operational challenges while maintaining a quality day-to-day service. Strategic planning has taken place over several months and preparations will be stepped up in the days leading up to Princess Anne’s arrival in the Island. Officers have been working closely with other Government agencies, the Princess’s personal protection officer and the Lieutenant Governor in a bid to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. A balance has to be struck between maintaining a high level of security and allowing the Princess to carry out her official duties without an overbearing police presence. Similarly, efforts are made to minimise the impact on people’s normal working lives while accommodating the large crowds of well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse of the Royal guest. Planning is the key factor and preparations for this year’s Tynwald Day celebrations and associated events got under way last year. Members of the Tynwald Arrangements Committee take responsibility for the ceremonial aspects of the Manx national day, while the police assume control of security. Chief Inspector Peter Young has taken on the role of Event Commander and has put together a team of officers who are trained and accredited to carry out close protection, specialist searches and traffic management duties. Over the next few days officers will conduct rigorous inspections of the Tynwald fairfields, car parks and surrounding areas in addition to the other venues on the Princess Royal’s busy itinerary. Guests attending Royal functions have been vetted, road closure orders will be enforced on the day and officers will accompany the official motorcade in to St John’s. Chief Inspector Young said: ‘The requirements for a Royal visit to the Island are no different in terms of planning, preparation and delivery to those undertaken by many larger police forces in the UK. It places extra demands on resources but a lot of hard work is carried out well in advance in order to consider every detail and contingency. A Royal visit is a great occasion for the Isle of Man and Lieutenant Governor Sir Paul Haddacks and members of his staff have taken a leading role in the arrangements. Working in partnership with Government House and other agencies, the police will endeavour to make sure that everybody can enjoy the day in a safe and secure manner .’ Princess Anne’s own wishes form a big part of the preparations and her personal protection officer has visited the Island to work with the Governor, President of Tynwald, the police and many others ahead of her arrival. Chief Inspector Young said: ‘The Isle of Man Constabulary has vast experience when it comes to planning big public events and a very capable team of officers is in place to perform a number of specialist duties. Our fingers are crossed for fine weather on the day and I would urge everybody who is planning to attend the ceremony at St John’s to get there early as large crowds are expected.’ More stories >>>
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