Armed officers present for Labour party conference

Greater Manchester Police has launched one of the largest security operations in the UK to police the 2008 Labour Party Conference.

The conference will start this Saturday (20 September) and run until Wednesday (24 September) and up to 15,000 delegates, global leaders and members of the national and international press are expected to attend.

In order to police the conference, Greater Manchester Police will be creating a secure environment so the delegates can enjoy the event safely.

The three major venues, Manchester Central and the Midland and Radisson hotels, will be fenced off to create a conference village known as the 'island site', and no one will be allowed into the site unless they have been vetted and accredited by Greater Manchester Police to make sure they do not present a security threat.

Superintendent Chris Ullah, planning co-ordinator for Operation Protector, said: "The 2006 conference was a real success story for Manchester. Greater Manchester Police was praised not just for working tirelessly to ensure the event went smoothly and providing a high level of security for the thousands of delegates who attended, but for the helpful and friendly attitude of officers.

"We intend to build on the successes of 2006 and officers have been planning for this year's event for many months side-by-side with our partner agencies. I'm confident it will be another success story.

"We regard the conference as a fantastic opportunity for the city and for Greater Manchester Police and look forward to policing it effectively."

Over the past few weeks, officers have been undertaking thorough searches of all the venues - including drains and tunnels in the vicinity - to ensure they are safe. These searches will continue until the island site is 'locked down' just prior to the start of the conference.

Once the site is built, nothing will get in or out without being thoroughly checked.

There will also be a dedicated Remote Vehicle Search Site where all vehicles heading to the conference will be searched and a high-profile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operation is running on all the main routes into the city.

Working in partnership with the UK Border Agency and with the full co-operation of all the venues, Greater Manchester Police has already made a number of arrests of people on suspicion of immigration offences following robust security checks.

Superintendent Ullah said: "No stone will be left unturned to ensure all the locations are completely safe.

"In addition to the comprehensive search operation, we identified a number of people through our security checks who did not meet the legal requirements to work in this country.

"This is all about making sure people are who they say they are.

"Policing a political conference ranks among the largest and most expensive police operations undertaken anywhere in the country. It is a big challenge for the force because we will be replicating the high level of security afforded to politicians in London, as effectively the seat of government is moving from London to Manchester for five days.

"What we want to do is make the conference an exciting, enjoyable event for everyone and provide a high-level of security without it being too intrusive for the delegates and the people of Manchester."

Throughout the operation, many officers stationed around the island site and throughout the city centre will be carrying firearms.

Greater Manchester Police would like to reassure members of the community that there is no reason to be alarmed. The increased police presence in the city centre over the next few weeks is in response to the need to create a safe and secure environment not just for the delegates but also for the people of Manchester.

"I would also ask the local community to work with us, and report anyone acting suspiciously to an officer," added Superintendent Ullah.

"Although there will be a heavy police presence, we will not be complacent and would we ask the community continue to work with us and provide us with any information that might impact upon the conference."

A crucial part of the operation is the policing of the area outside the island site, known as the outer zone.

For months, officers have been talking to local residents and businesses about how the conference will impact upon their daily lives, why this high-profile security is needed and what arrangements will be in place during the event.

Extra high-visibility patrols will be deployed to 'hotspot' areas, both to reassure delegates who may leave the sanctity of the island site to see more of Manchester and to reduce the risk of people becoming a victim of crime.

Superintendent Ullah said: "Successfully policing the conference also means successfully minimising the impact on those who live and work in the city centre.

"While there will inevitably be some disruption to people's daily routines during the conference, I feel confident that the community will support us as it is vital we have these security measures in place.

"Officers have been working hand-in-hand with the community for many months, and building relationships between the police, businesses and residents will create a legacy for the area that will continue after conference."