EXPERT COMMENT LAST UPDATED : 05 MAY 2023
The Metropolitan Police could turn to facial recognition technology and will have full use of the new Public Order Act to help ensure the Coronation of King Charles III passes off safely, according to a policing expert from Birmingham City University (BCU).
Ron Winch, Senior Teaching Fellow in Policing, School of Social Sciences at BCU, adds that the Met will be accustomed to policing such a massive event, which is expected to attract thousands of people to London and a global audience of millions, but admits the threat of public protests and terrorism will remain a concern.
“Although the Coronation is clearly a huge event, I'm not sure if it will be attended by more people than the Jubilee events, given the late Queen's popularity,” said Winch.
“As we have seen, these events are always treated as potential targets. There is likely to be support from other forces, but the Metropolitan Police is large enough and very experienced in dealing with events of this size and scale.”
Winch expects security to be extremely tight.
"Officers from across London will contribute to a 24/7 operation,” he said.
“The Met will have conducted multiple risk assessments and working strategies, subject to College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP). Extensive searches will be taking place to secure and maintain the route and venues.
“New technologies are also available, and drones will be relaying live footage of crowds. We may even see the use of automatic facial recognition systems - although, as yet, I have not seen any official announcement from the Met.”
Winch also points to new powers that police will be able to make use of.
“In terms of new legislation, the Public Order Act 2023 has been pushed through parliament in time for the Coronation," he said. "This gives police new powers around the right to protest, including the ability to remove persons who interfere with infrastructure, including those who block roads. There are also increased terms of imprisonment for those convicted. The police also have additional stop and search powers, but these are highly controversial.”
Despite the measures that will be in place, Winch says that security cannot be guaranteed.
“Unfortunately, history tells us that terrorism can occur in areas where there are high-density crowds," he said. "The current climate in Northern Ireland is also unhelpful for the police. With the British state's attention on the Coronation, the world taking an interest, and overseas leaders and VIPs in attendance, rogue republican groups may see an opportunity.”