Cars were pulled over in the city as the police conducted checks.
Officers were in place around The Strand and Wapping as part of the police's Project Servator, which has been running since 2018. The project "aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public".
The project sees officers arrive at a location unannounced and conduct patrols ,which could last for a number of hours. Today (May 1), officers pulled over a number of cars.
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Last year, as the project marked its fourth anniversary, Chief Inspector Iain Wyke of Protective Security Operations at Merseyside Police said: “Deployments are planned proactively and are deliberately unpredictable, so you will see officers popping up at various locations, at any time and in any weather. We use a range of police assets, including police dogs, horses, armed officers, and live-monitored CCTV. Sometimes, we will use these assets in conjunction with vehicle checkpoints.
“Along with our deployments, since April 2021, our Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs) have helped us deliver specialist See Check and Notify (SCaN) training to 686 staff in local businesses and venues. This reinforces the network of vigilance in Merseyside by helping staff identify suspicious activity and ensuring they know what to do when they encounter it.”
Project Servator deployments will be used during Eurovision.
Chief Inspector Iain Wyke of Protective Security Operations at Merseyside Police said: “These highly visible Project Servator deployments use specially-trained uniform and plainclothes officers to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent, such as gathering information that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.
“The deployments are deliberately unpredictable, and officers can turn up anywhere at any time. They are supported by colleagues in other specialist roles including the Dog Section, Mounted Section, Armed Policing, and City Watch for round-the-clock monitoring of the CCTV network used across the force area.
“Officers will encourage the public, including people working in local businesses, to be extra eyes and ears, and report anything that doesn’t feel right. We also ensure event security staff receive training in how to spot suspicious activity and what to do. The aim is to build a network of vigilance made up of business and community partners and the general public.
“If you do see a Project Servator deployment, there’s nothing to worry about. Feel free to talk to officers, they will be happy to explain what they are doing and how you can help keep people safe.”
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