Merseyside Police Chief Reflects on a Tumultuous 2024 Marked by Tragedy and Disorder
In an exclusive interview with the ECHO, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy provided a candid reflection on the challenges and triumphs of 2024. The year was dominated by the horrific Southport stabbings in July, a tragedy that claimed the lives of three young girls and left a community reeling. Chief Constable Kennedy expressed her profound sorrow for the victims’ families, acknowledging the enduring impact of the event. She also commended the resilience of the community and the collaborative efforts of partners in the aftermath, emphasizing the region’s collective rejection of hate and violence.
The days following the Southport tragedy were marred by a surge of misinformation and disinformation on social media, which Chief Constable Kennedy described as "policing in the dark." While emphasizing the force’s commitment to timely and accurate information dissemination through mainstream media, she acknowledged the difficulty of combating the rapid spread of false narratives online. This issue highlighted the need for a more robust approach to managing the social media amplification of inaccurate information, a challenge demanding further attention and collaboration.
The Southport stabbings also triggered civil unrest, with a peaceful vigil giving way to targeted attacks on a local mosque and responding police officers. Chief Constable Kennedy recounted this night as one of the worst of her career, expressing both pride in her officers’ bravery and deep concern for their safety and well-being. The violence directed towards her officers, many of whom sustained injuries, underscored the risks inherent in policing and the impact on families and communities. Several officers remain off duty due to their injuries, a stark reminder of the lasting consequences of these events.
A subsequent report by His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services revealed that police forces across the UK were insufficiently prepared for the scale of the disorder that followed the Southport incident. While acknowledging the report’s findings, Chief Constable Kennedy defended her force’s preparedness, citing the unique communication methods employed by those involved, which hindered intelligence gathering. She highlighted the use of platforms like Telegram, which were not readily accessible to law enforcement, creating a “blind spot” in their monitoring efforts. The Chief Constable maintained that, given the initial context of a peaceful vigil, the police response was appropriately scaled and that the rapid escalation to violence was unforeseen and fueled by a distinct group exploiting the situation.
Addressing the report’s reference to previous incidents of disorder, including the disturbance outside the Suites Hotel in Kirkby, Chief Constable Kennedy differentiated between the two events. She characterized the Suites Hotel incident as a largely peaceful protest that was overtaken by a sudden influx of individuals seemingly unconnected to the original demonstration. In contrast, the Southport unrest was directly linked to the tragic stabbings and marked by a clear intent to cause damage and inflict violence. The Chief Constable emphasized that the intelligence picture and the context of each event were markedly different, requiring distinct responses.
Despite the challenges faced, Chief Constable Kennedy highlighted significant achievements in tackling crime throughout 2024. She commended the force’s efforts in combating serious and organized crime, as well as reducing firearms discharges to historically low levels. While acknowledging the continued need to address knife crime, she pointed to the positive impact of educational programs aimed at preventing youth involvement in violence. The Chief Constable stressed the importance of partnerships and early intervention in educating young people about the dangers of exploitation and violence, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach involving schools, communities, and law enforcement.
The year 2024 proved to be a complex and challenging one for Merseyside Police, marked by both tragedy and the need for reflection and adaptation in the face of evolving threats. Chief Constable Kennedy’s interview provided valuable insight into the force’s response to these events, highlighting both the successes and the lessons learned. The focus on community partnerships, proactive education programs, and the ongoing need to adapt to new communication technologies emerged as key themes in navigating the complexities of modern policing. The challenges encountered underscored the vital role of effective communication, accurate intelligence gathering, and a commitment to collaboration in ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities served by Merseyside Police.