Policing teams look ahead to Euro 2024 final

Teams responsible for your safety during Euro 2024 are looking ahead to England’s historic final clash with Spain.

We’ve had plans in place for each England fixture and you’ll see our officers out and about across our towns and cities on Sunday.

We’ve had officers at key locations in town and city centres across the county on matchdays.

'We're all behind the squad'

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, who has been leading the policing operation, said:

“We’ll all want to get behind the team this weekend and from what I’ve seen so far fans in Essex have done so in a largely responsible and respectful manner.
“We haven’t seen a large number of incidents linked to the football and I’m confident that positive sentiment will continue into the final.
“This England squad has come a long way and I would urge those out enjoying the football on Sunday to not score an own goal at this late stage.
“If there is unacceptable disorder or behaviour, our officers will be close by to respond and react accordingly.
“Our primary focus is keeping you safe and ensuring those who enjoy the football, and those who don’t, can feel confident in enjoying our county’s nightlife without issue.
“Policing our roads has remained a key priority and we will be continuing high-visibility patrols across our strategic and rural network.
“I would like to remind those visiting pubs and bars to please have a plan on how you’re getting home.
“Book a taxi, designate a driver, take a train, but don’t ruin your life by getting behind the wheel after having a drink.”

We will take robust action against anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car after drinking or taking drugs.

There will be no road that can be used to evade being caught.

We have hundreds of police officers trained to take drug wipe tests at the side of the road, meaning you’re just as likely to get caught for drug driving.

We’ve had plans in place to tackle any potential rise in domestic abuse during the tournament.

This has included considering Domestic Violence Prevention Notices for perpetrators who we have not yet received authorisation to charge but who we strongly suspect have been violent in the domestic setting.

These notices run for 48 hours and mean the perpetrator cannot return to the home in that time.

Within 48 hours, a court hearing takes place where the notice is converted into a Domestic Violence Prevention Order. That order is then in place for 28 days.

Where there is evidence that a domestic incident can be directly linked to football, officers can compile evidence to submit to the Crown Prosecution Service which will consider asking the courts to apply a Football Banning Order to convicted perpetrators.

That would be in addition to any restraining orders or non-molestation orders imposed by the court.

Reflect on your behaviour

If your actions make your relationships a toxic place to be, it’s time to reflect on your behaviour and get the help you need.

That’s the message from the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) as Essex unites to tackle domestic abuse.

Working in partnership with The Change Project, we are encouraging people to break the cycle of domestic abuse by changing their behaviour.

The campaign focuses on different types of abuse – from physical abuse, to controlling behaviour, stalking and harassment, and uncontrolled emotions like humiliation or anger aimed at your loved ones.

If you enter a relationship with someone new and start to feel a little unsure about the situation, there are steps you can take.

Clare's Law gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them.

For more information about Clare's Law and how to make an application please visit our domestic violence disclosure scheme page.

Help us reduce road collisions and casualties in Essex and make our roads even safer. Report instances of poor and dangerous driving through Safer Essex Roads Partnership's Extra Eyes initiative.

More than ever, irresponsible, dangerous and illegal road behaviour is being recorded by road users. Through Extra Eyes this footage can be sent to, and reviewed by, an investigator within Road Policing at Essex Police.

Find out how by visiting Safer Essex Roads Partnership website.