Notts County FC Safety and Security

Notts County FC Safety and Security

Photograph by Roy Mullin


I recently contacted Notts County’s Chief security officer Brian Walton, Who has kindly emailed me some questions i sent to him regarding Notts County FC’s safety and security measures for matchdays.
Below are the questions i put to him .

 1. Preparation for a Match regarding security staff and Policing..   
Each match is independently risk assessed and if there is a requirement as a result of this Police will be in attendance. Irrespective of that there is a stewarding plan which follows the guidelines of the Green Guide. This means all mandatory safety positions will be covered and recommends 1 steward per 250 spectators
 2, The areas covered
There are numerous areas to consider therefore the below list is not exhaustive
Historical Behaviour of fans
Current behaviour of fans
Match importance
Arrest potential
Ejection potential
Safety factor
Anticipated gate
Visitors expected
Weather
Legislation

3. Costings { from the club budget regrading Policing}
Police charges are arranged and agreed at the beginning of each season. Matches are categorised in relation to the risk assessment. The bigger the risk, the more police, the more cost to the club.

4. CCTV 
The Club has a duty to have an effective CCTV system which is certificated on an annual basis

5. Car Parking

 Away supporters /parking security
The club has a  regulary reviewedTraffic Management Plan which explains the above arrangements. There is car parking inside the ground at a cost to supporters on an annual basis. There is car parking utilising local businesses in partnership and other local businesses utilise their areas at a direct cost to the supporters. Away supporter coaches are parked at the Canal Boat sales on Meadow lane towards Lady Bay Bridge.

6. Security staff training.
All stewards employed at Notts County must have attained NVQ 2 standard or be actively training towards NVQ 2 Standard. Trainingf is provided by Telford Colloege . Any security Staff employed will be have a current SIA badge.

With special  thanks to Notts County Fc head of Security Brian Walton for his  time  and assistance