Spaces for this session are limited to 1 per organisation. 30 spaces are being allocated to techUK members, with 10 of these reserved for SMEs.

This workshop which focuses on policing public protests and new demonstration and public disorder models, is the final of three workshops which are part of The London Policing College's 4th International Policing Conference. Their objective is to consider the challenges for policing through the themes identified in the 'Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales'. Discussions will examine current effective practice and how this can shape responses.

Protests are an important part of a democratic society. Under the Human Rights Law, all citizens have the right to gather and express their views peacefully. Principally, in relation to protests, Article 9 (freedom of thoughts, conscience, and religion), Article 10 (freedom of expression) and Article 11 (freedom of association) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) refer to this.

It is important to understand what the role of the police is, at peaceful and perhaps 'lawful' protests? The key challenge is that the above rights are not absolute rights which often presents a challenge for the police, i.e. how much disruption is proportionate or tolerable, or what is the balance between individual rights and the general interests of the community to go about their daily lives.

The police must act within the law and be able to demonstrate that their use of any powers in necessary and proportionate, which often has an adverse impact on the police reputation. This panel will look at the possible solutions to these challenges:

  • Relevant legislation?
  • Better communication?
  • Independent monitor to consider the levels of disruption? 
  • Specialist officers available for policing protests?
  • Role of technology?

The panel will likely have strong opposing views which will illustrate just how much of a balancing act the police face when dealing with protests, particularly those which are designed to be peaceful and non-violent, and yet can be highly disruptive.

Speakers will include: 

  • Roger Gomm QPM, London Policing College, who will facilitate the workshop discussion
  • Ben-Julian Harrington, Chief Constable, Essex Police 
  • Claire Clark, Chief Superintendent, Metropolitan Police 
  • Protest Group Representative (awaiting confirmation on representative) 
  • Professor Colin Rogers, University of South Wales
  • Dr Elaine Brown, Derby University 
  • Dave Tucker, College of Policing 
  • Rick Muir, Director, The Police Foundation 
  • New West End Company (awaiting confirmation on representative) 
  • Darren Miller, Head of Policing and Law Enforcement Engagement, ADS
  • Raya Tsolova, Programme Manager - National Security, techUK
  • James Haigh, Operations Director, Advantage One
  • Richard Gill, Founder and CEO, Drone Defence

There are another two workshops hosted by London Policing College throughout July: 

Raya Tsolova

Senior Programme Manager, techUK

Raya Tsolova is a Programme Manager at techUK. 

Prior to joining techUK, Raya worked in Business Development for an expert network firm within the institutional investment space. Before this Raya spent a year in industry working for a tech start-up in London as part of their Growth team which included the formation and development of a 'Let's Talk Tech' podcast and involvement in London Tech Week. 

Raya has a degree in Politics and International Relations (Bsc Hons) from the University of Bath where she focused primarily on national security and counter-terrorism policies, centreing research on female-led terrorism and specific approaches to justice there. 

Outside of work, Raya's interests include baking, spin classes and true-crime Netflix shows! 

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
07712630603

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Georgie Morgan

Georgie Morgan

Head of Justice and Emergency Services | Fraud and Economic Crime Lead, techUK

Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, progressing to Head of Programme in January 2022. Her portfolio then expanded in January 2024 where she now leads our work across fraud and economic crime. 

In her current role, Georgie leads techUK’s engagement and initiatives across the blue light and criminal justice sectors. She works closely with industry and stakeholders to drive innovation, address challenges, and anticipate future needs, while showcasing the critical role technology plays in delivering essential public safety and justice services. Through the JES programme, she provides a platform for suppliers, helping them navigate and establish themselves in the blue light and criminal justice markets.

Before joining techUK, Georgie spent four and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. Collaborating with the Metropolitan Police and local councils, she focused on mitigating the impact of crime on the business community. Her efforts spanned addressing low-level street crime and anti-social behavior to managing critical incidents and violent crime.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-henley/

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