This is your chance to view a water cannon on British mainland

Taking place 23 - 24 November at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry, The Emergency Services Show 2011 will have a water cannon on display kindly supplied by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. This will allow visitors to view firsthand what this widely discussed piece of equipment looks like and get to grips with how it functions and its capabilities.

The riots recently seen across London and other cities in England saw firebombs thrown at police officers, shop windows being smashed, shops looted, extreme violence and torched property, cars and London city buses. This type of violence put a whole new strain on police forces throughout England and in some cases drastic measures were discussed to quell the violence.

Over the days the riots occurred, the use of water cannons was discussed at great length by parliament, police and citizens. The Home Secretary, Theresa May, rejected the idea by explaining that they were not the way Britain polices, this is instead through consent of communities. However growing support for the equipment came from both sides of the political divide.

David Brown, Show Organiser, Emergency Services (MMC) Ltd, comments: “During the riots many politicians called for the use of water cannons to drive looters away and as the riot activity intensified David Cameron PM said that the cannon would be available at 24 hour’s notice to deal with “despicable violence” being seen in cities. Whilst the water cannon was not deployed, it was authorised and on standby should the police have needed it. This authorisation by the Prime Minister suggests a change in tides for the way police may deal with future violence that plagues the streets of England.”

He concludes: “If the water cannons had been deployed it would have been the first time they had been used on the British mainland. Water cannons have been used by police in Ulster this summer and have been a regular sight at disturbances in the Ardoyne area of Belfast since 2001. Whether these high-pressure hoses, that fire jets of water or vapour, will be seen on British mainland in the near future is questionable! The viability of water cannons in cities such as London still remains a topical question and consequently we are delighted to have one at this year’s exhibition.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Gary White said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland has been using the Water Cannons in large scale public order operations for over ten years.  Like any use of force by police, all use of a Water Cannon is governed by strict criteria and is only used when necessary and proportionate.  I am convinced that over the years, the Water Cannon has saved many lives.  It is an extremely effective tactic that allows us to maintain a safe operating distance from riotous crowds."

The Emergency Services Show and Conference

The Emergency Services Show and Conference is the key event for anyone involved in emergency planning, response or recovery, both in the UK and abroad. Now in its sixth year, this firmly established annual show promotes multi agency collaboration by bringing together everyone involved in an emergency – from the strategic planners and first responders, to the manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and services used by these leading professionals.

The products and services on display include: police equipment and services, personal protective equipment, communications and IT, first response equipment, station equipment, training and education, vehicles and vehicle equipment, medical equipment, business continuity and outsourcing. Many exhibitors will also be carrying out a number of live demonstrations throughout the two days.

Especially at a time when budgets are being squeezed, this free to attend exhibition helps facilitate and share information and good practice, and provides a platform to consider innovative and creative ways for emergency personnel, planning officers and resilience professionals to work together in the future.

Conference

This year, the conference will be hosted in the dedicated conference centre (opposite the exhibition centre) at Stoneleigh Park. To help organisations cope with a markedly different environment and overcome the challenges of the future, the show’s organisers have taken the decision that the conference will be free of charge to attend.  This is in recognition that organisations budgets have been cut and in many cases restrictions put in place regarding individuals attending events.  However, it is vital that emergency and resilience professionals continue to learn and network amongst one another to allow both professional development and learning, with the overall aim of improving public safety! The conference will be CPD certified.

Register now for your Free visitor pass

To register for your FREE visitor pass or to learn more about attending The Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011, please visit the event’s new website www.emergencyuk.com

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

The Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011

Date: Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th November

Location: Stoneleigh Park, Coventry

Website: www.emergencyuk.com

The Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011 is the key event for anyone involved in emergency planning, response or recovery, both in the UK and abroad.

From strategic planners and first responders to the manufacturers and suppliers of equipment used by these leading professionals, the show brings together everyone involved in an emergency, over an action packed two days.

Visitors to the show and conference can:

• DISCOVER how to make vital cost saving efficiencies on behalf of their organisation
• LEARN from industry experts by attending the supporting conference
• NETWORK with like minded individuals to share information and good practice, together with discussing resources, framework agreements, income generation and outsourcing
• WITNESS exciting live demonstrations
• MEET with up to 100 end users exhibiting within the Emergency Response Zone. This zone (essential for operational staff and emergency planning officers) is made up of other Category 1 and 2 Responders, Professional, Government and Voluntary organisations, offering perfect networking opportunities to affiliated organisations.
• CONSIDER innovative and creative ways of working with their peers in the future.
• SOURCE equipment and services from over 350 specialist suppliers, showcasing the latest innovations in the industry.

For additional information regarding the show and conference please contact:

Helen Ellis / Hannah MacLeod

The McOnie Agency

Tel: 01483 237230

Email: helen@mconieagency.com / h.macleod@mconieagency.com

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