Policing the Notting Hill Carnival has been described as a challenging and dangerous task, with almost a third of officers claiming to have been assaulted while working at the event. A poll conducted by the Metropolitan Police Federation revealed that 89% of officers feel unsafe at the West London street festival. Some officers described the atmosphere as a ‘war zone’ and expressed anxiety and dread about policing the event each year. The concerns were heightened following violent scenes at the Carnival, including two murders, eight stabbings, and multiple assaults on police officers.
In response to the survey results, Simon Hill, Deputy General Secretary of the Metropolitan Police Federation, highlighted the need for concrete evidence to understand officers’ opinions and experiences at the Notting Hill Carnival. He stressed the significant impact that the event has on the wellbeing of officers who work long hours in challenging conditions. The sheer number of attendees and crimes committed during the Carnival raise concerns about the safety of both officers and the public, with incidents of violence and assaults on the rise each year.
The Federation’s report, based on the survey findings, calls for changes to improve the safety of the Notting Hill Carnival. Suggestions include relocating the event to a more open space like Hyde Park, restricting the number of attendees, or making it a ticketed event. The goal is to reduce the risks associated with the high density of crowds and address concerns about alcohol consumption, violence, and potential crush incidents. The Federation emphasizes the need for collaboration between the Metropolitan Police, event organizers, local authorities, and City Hall to ensure a safe and successful Carnival in the future.
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward acknowledged the long-standing concerns about crowd safety and crime at the Notting Hill Carnival. He emphasized the need for continuous improvements in officer provision and clear lines of responsibility, accountability, and funding to address the significant crowd safety risks. Despite positive changes in recent years, there is a call for a ‘step change’ in the way the Carnival is managed to prevent potential mass casualty events caused by overcrowding. The challenge is to balance the cultural significance of the event with the safety and security of all attendees and participants.
Concerns about the level of crime at the Notting Hill Carnival were also raised, with over 350 violent or sexual offences reported during a recent event. Incidents include 61 attacks on police officers, highlighting the challenging and dangerous nature of policing the Carnival. The violence that overshadows the event underscores the need for a collective effort to address safety issues and make the Carnival a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The calls for action include speaking out against violence, supporting efforts to improve safety measures, and working together to create a more secure environment for future events.
