Runner, Loggist and Tactical Advisor within Public Order Policing

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.038414

I note you seek access to the following information:

I would like to know the purpose, role and responsibilities of a Runner, Loggist and Tactical Advisor within Public Order Policing.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

The purpose of a runner within a Public Order operation is to support a public order commander where they may need additional staff to task in an operational setting e.g. monitor radio traffic, pass messages to units or monitor a deployment.

The purpose of the loggist is to support the Public Order Commander in capturing and recording the most accurate audit trail of the events. They will maintain a log of events as they happen and the decisions a public order commander makes. They will either write the rationale for the decisions as it is dictated to them, or the Commander may wish to write the rationale themselves. They will keep track of the location of units. Their purpose is to ensure that there is an accurate and timely record of the Public Order Commander’s role in an operation so any subsequent review can understand the factors that led to any decision making. This will capture information known at that time, the threat and risk posed, legislative powers and the tactical options that were considered and/or utilised.

The Tactical Advisor or Public Order Public Safety Advisor (POPSA) as they formally known is responsible for giving the Public Order Commander timely, accurate and relevant advice on options within a specific public order situation. They are trained and accredited and are specialists in public order public safety policing. They should explain a range of tactical options for a given situation with their recommendation including benefits and negatives or challenges.