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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Kaitlin Easton

Police confirm 'relatively few arrests' made during Operation Unicorn after Queen's death

Police Scotland have confirmed there were "relatively few arrests" during Operation Unicorn after Her Majesty the Queen died in Scotland on Thursday, September 8.

A total of 13 people were arrested for offences across the country, including low level disorder, violence, abusive and threatening behaviour and the illegal use of drones. One person has now been convicted at court.

Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM said the police force had been praised for ensuring the significant events relating to the Queen's death were held safely, securely and with dignity.

Speaking at a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority Board today, he provided an update on the police response.

He said: "Operation Unicorn was activated quickly as this moment in world history – the end of an era – resonated globally. We are all aware that billions across the world followed events in Scotland and subsequently in London.

"On Sunday 11 September 4,000 officers were deployed to Operation Unicorn, as over 100,000 people gathered along the 175-mile route of the cortege from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

People gathered on the Royal Mile to see the Queen's coffin arrive from Balmoral. (Getty Images)

"On the Monday after over 2,500 officers were deployed as His Majesty The King arrived in Edinburgh and He and members of The Royal Family undertook the procession from Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral with tens of thousands of people lining the street. Around 35,000 mourners thereafter queued over 24 hours to pay their respects as The Queen lay at rest at St Giles’.

"On Tuesday 13 September 3,000 officers were deployed on Operation Unicorn as members of the public continued to pay their respects, before the coffin carrying Her Majesty The Queen was taken to Edinburgh Airport, where she left Scotland for the final time."

Armed officers, close protection officers, community policing officers and air support were among those deployed alongside officers who lined roads and streets.

Members of police staff and contractors also took part in significant contributions by establishing ICT support, arranging accommodation, ensuring workforce agreements were in place and providing catering.

The Queen's children including King Charles with the procession in Edinburgh (BBC)

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has sent her thanks and gratitude, and those of the Scottish Government, to officers and staff following the momentous police operation.

Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone added: "It is important to stress the fundamental outcomes of this enormous operation of safety and security.

"There were no security breaches; no significant violence or disorder; no safety issues; and relatively few arrests among countless interactions and engagements between officers and our fellow citizens over the course of the Operation Unicorn period.

"The many solemn, historic, constitutional events took place safely and with dignity.

"Across the entire operation, across the whole of Scotland, we recorded just 13 arrests for offences such as low level disorder; violence; abusive and threatening behaviour and the illegal use of drones. One of those arrests has already resulted in a conviction at court."

"On a very small number of occasions during Operation Unicorn, operational officers on the ground made at the time dynamic assessments that the behaviour of individuals required police intervention as it appeared to breach the threshold of criminality.

"It is now for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to independently review the circumstances, sufficiency of evidence, and whether the matter is in the public interest to prosecute.

"As I have mentioned, one arrest has already concluded with a conviction for breach of the peace and due process must be respected in regard to other matters.

"Of course, where concerns are raised about policing, we will assess them, seek contact with any relevant individuals and respond.

"I categorically undertake, as I have done consistently while holding the office of Chief Constable, that if we have got something wrong in relation to a specific set of circumstances or we could have done something better, we will acknowledge that and take necessary and proportionate action to put it right."

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