Increased police presence

[johnmcga]

I've been to three Glastonburys now, and one thing that really struck me this year was the increased numbers of police on the site. I saw them all over the place; patrolling campsites, near the big stages and market areas and on the railway line.

I was just wondering what everyone thought of this. Personally, I see it as a good thing - it made me feel safer, and hopefully it helped cut down on the number of tent thefts a bit.

However, I know this is something that's been mentioned on here before, and I do understand it makes some people feel uneasy what with the whole ethos and atmosphere at the festival - not to mention all the, er, substances that are in use there!

So what did you think? A good thing? Anyone encounter any coppers acting inapppropriately or intervening where it really wasn't called for? (I'm sure I read in the Q Daily that someone was arrested for a public nudity offence. Wasn't sure if it was a piss-take or not - surely that can't be right at Glastonbury?!)

[LusciousLucy]

It was needed because the amount of bad behaviour by young ignorant G virgin twats was stellar. I really appreciated seeing the higher level of police and even more pleased to see a lot wearing flower garlands or feathers somewhere on their person and smiling lots!

[markeee]

i dont mind too much, just as long as they dont start to try and fill quots by giving out thousands of 'cannabis cautions' and such

may sound dumb, but what with all the targets these days, they could easily meet targets by handing a load out at a festival

[Singularity]

I didn't mind the extra police presence, it sure sorted out the tent thieving a bit because the whining about that on here has dropped dramatically since last year.

[bagpuss]

Funny thread as the Police told me that they had less plods on site this year!

[oafc0000]

I saw four police men during the fest... In two pairs... and I think it was the same pair I saw the second time...

[johnmcga]

Funny thread as the Police told me that they had less plods on site this year!

[Bluearsedfly]

Definately an increased presence but no issue with that at all, seemed chilled, intermingling with punters and I even got very handy mobile phone security thingy.

[MieleBee]

I've been to three Glastonburys now, and one thing that really struck me this year was the increased numbers of police on the site. I saw them all over the place; patrolling campsites, near the big stages and market areas and on the railway line.

I was just wondering what everyone thought of this. Personally, I see it as a good thing - it made me feel safer, and hopefully it helped cut down on the number of tent thefts a bit.

However, I know this is something that's been mentioned on here before, and I do understand it makes some people feel uneasy what with the whole ethos and atmosphere at the festival - not to mention all the, er, substances that are in use there!

So what did you think? A good thing? Anyone encounter any coppers acting inapppropriately or intervening where it really wasn't called for? (I'm sure I read in the Q Daily that someone was arrested for a public nudity offence. Wasn't sure if it was a piss-take or not - surely that can't be right at Glastonbury?!)

[Spindles]

Police were friendly, happy and seemed to genuinely understand the spirit of the place. We randomly met the top copper in green crafts (he was being accosted by people asking if he had any give-away torches, lanyards or handspray).

I noticed more police wed/thurs than later in the weekend, but as I say, all I got from the police was smiles.

[Rufus Gwertigan]

I couldn't find enough coppers on site. I spent Thursday night running manically around trying to hug every copper I could find. I ended up with a total of 15 (although 1 should not really count as he was REALLY uncomfortable with it). I even managed an Assistant Commissioner on the Friday

Edited June 30, 2009 by Rufus Gwertigan

[adjwholovesmusic]

There was a heavy police presence on the M5 motorway near Stroud. We got pulled off the motorway and escorted to an area which was heavily policed with sniffer dogs and search tents. Quite a large operation which was obvisiously targeting the festival traffic.

There were 4 of us and we all had a sniffer dog check over our pockets and clothes. They used a swab machine, which detects very small traces of drugs, on the steering wheel and around all the door handles of the car. All our details were taken down and checked.

We are not heavily into drugs and do not often come into contact with anything so we were ok but had they found any trace then i am sure we would have ended up having the car searched.

An unerving start to the weekend to say the least.

Did anyone else get pulled?

adjwholovesmusic

[Greenish]

i didn't see many cops at all, but am still confused how someone could get arrested for nudity at glastonbury - this saddens me and I wish i could find out more info!

[Storm_NL]

There was a heavy police presence on the M5 motorway near Stroud. We got pulled off the motorway and escorted to an area which was heavily policed with sniffer dogs and search tents. Quite a large operation which was obvisiously targeting the festival traffic.

There were 4 of us and we all had a sniffer dog check over our pockets and clothes. They used a swab machine, which detects very small traces of drugs, on the steering wheel and around all the door handles of the car. All our details were taken down and checked.

We are not heavily into drugs and do not often come into contact with anything so we were ok but had they found any trace then i am sure we would have ended up having the car searched.

An unerving start to the weekend to say the least.

Did anyone else get pulled?

adjwholovesmusic

[solarfall]

I feared I was going to get demolished by a police horse that started getting a little angry near the Pyramid stage, other than that the police seemed to be friendly and getting into the spirit of things!

[johnmcga]

i didn't see many cops at all, but am still confused how someone could get arrested for nudity at glastonbury - this saddens me and I wish i could find out more info!

[Sam Crawley]

Those police horses were huuuuuuuuge!!!

Kudos to the policeman who grabbed the inflatable eyeball bouncing about in the Yeah Yeah Yeah's set, held it up in the air to a cheer, then lobbed it at his beat buddy!

[Magma]

Didn't see any trouble with them all weekend. As with most years, the only people interested in stopping people's fun were in Security uniforms... but even they seemed vaguely alright compared to most years!

Good work Avon & Somerset.

Edited June 30, 2009 by Magma

[scudetto_boy]

The amount of police was far, far too much, there was no need for it. Will add more opinion on this subject very soon cause it was 1 of my mine concerns when on Worthy Farm. However, im a bit busy at the mo but i will return on this topic because i was very troubled by the heavy police presense. And let's admit it, there was a heavy police presence compared to any year i've been, my first being 1994.

An amazing Festival this year though but way too many coppers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace & love to all on efestivals

[LadyP]

It did feel like there was a bigger presence this year, but when they're all so nice and friendly that's surely not a bad thing! We spent all day Thursday sitting at the tent having a few drinks and a chill, police stopped by a couple of times, happy to stop for a chat and a photo, always really friendly. Also saw one on his own during Springsteen, clearly enjoying the set (he looked gutted when his radio went off and he had to leave), and a group of 3 dancing like loons to madness!!

Well done to all for handling such a huge event with such a friendly supportive attitude

[Abbathehorse]

I don't want to start an unfounded rumour here - I only think I read about it in one of the Q Dailies, and got the impression that perhaps it was a pisstake.

[504329lt]

There was a heavy police presence on the M5 motorway near Stroud. We got pulled off the motorway and escorted to an area which was heavily policed with sniffer dogs and search tents. Quite a large operation which was obvisiously targeting the festival traffic.

There were 4 of us and we all had a sniffer dog check over our pockets and clothes. They used a swab machine, which detects very small traces of drugs, on the steering wheel and around all the door handles of the car. All our details were taken down and checked.

We are not heavily into drugs and do not often come into contact with anything so we were ok but had they found any trace then i am sure we would have ended up having the car searched.

An unerving start to the weekend to say the least.

Did anyone else get pulled?

adjwholovesmusic

[ramragon]

i was quite happy with the police presence, they seemed relaxed and to be enjoying the whole thing, in 2 glastonbury's i've never seen a fight or crowd trouble to deal with, no harm in them patrolling around, people might feel a bit different if they paid visits to the stone circle after dark with a canabis caution pad though !

[ramragon]

Actually, I think there was a bit of truth in it. Some of our party saw said nudists walking around (2 blokes and a woman) and then later on the same afternoon saw them being driven away by security. I doubt they had actually been arrested, but were probably being driven back to their tents to put some clothes on. However, that's just my guess.

I have no problem with nudity at Glastonbury, but it's difficult to judge what was appropriate as I don't know what exactly they were doing. For example, if they had gone up to the kids fields or had been acting inappropriately, I think it's absolutely right for security to put an end to it.

As for the police presence, I hardly saw any, cos I too was looking out for them. However I do think the police there are fantastic. They are not at all oppressive, will have a laugh with you, and are there to stop harmful crimes like theiving tent pikey bastards

[adjwholovesmusic]

I know its slightly off topic NL Storm but its about Police presence and was obviously connected to the festival and I didn't want to start a new thread.

It happened at 11.00 at stroud between juntion 23 and 24 on Thursday which is just by michaels Wood isnt it? There were 4 of us in the car with obviously quite a bit of camping stuff so it was obvious where we heading. They did a full check on each of us, checked all my insurance and stuff to ensure that we were legit. As far as i am aware we were not speeding or making any offence. I think it was just random stops on cars with passengers going to Glastonbury. I got the feeling they were looking for dealers who were headed for the festival.

They gave a letter which stated about illegal cars and stuff and asked us each to sign a declaration so that we could be checked.

I'm not to sure what to make of it to be honest but i do sort think that its easy pickings with regards to festival goers.

adjwholovesmusic