Members of the public are being urged to be “extra eyes and ears for the police” during the Cop26 international climate summit in a drive to combat crime, including terrorism.

Police Scotland launched a six-week campaign to highlight anti-crime and anti-terror scheme Project Servator – an important part of the policing operation for the UN climate conference.

More than 100 world leaders are expected to attend the opening of the event, which is taking place in Glasgow from October 31.

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The Project Servator operation consists in highly visible and unpredictable deployments routinely carried out across the country by police officers specially trained to identify individuals who may be planning or preparing to commit a crime. 

Around 10,000 officers will be deployed each day during the conference in one of the largest policing operations undertaken in the UK, and will be assisted by specialist resources including police dogs and horses, armed units, CCTV operators and security staff.

Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves, silver commander for the policing operation at the summit, said: “Cop26 is one of the largest policing operations the UK has seen and we plan to utilise all resources at our disposal to support the delivery of a safe and secure event.

Glasgow Times:

“Project Servator has proven to be an effective tactic in helping to disrupt criminal activity and keep people safe and has been deployed successfully at major events in the past, such as the Commonwealth Games and Edinburgh Festivals.

“Support from businesses, partners and members of the public is vital to its success, which is why we are working with communities, British Transport Police and local authorities and councils across the country, including the host city of Glasgow. We can all play a part and I would encourage you to get involved.

“If there’s a Project Servator deployment taking place in your area, speak to our officers who will be happy to provide information and reassurance.

“Together, we’ll help keep Cop26 and Scotland safe.

“Remember if you see something suspicious, or if something doesn’t feel right, let us know immediately. You can do this by speaking to a police officer or calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

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Ahead of a six-week advertising campaign to remind people of the role they can play, Police Scotland said: “Key to the success of Project Servator is the support of the public to be extra eyes and ears for the police.

Superintendent Dave Marshall, of British Transport Police, said: “We’ve been using Project Servator across the railway network for nearly six years now and seen first-hand the effectiveness of this tactic in deterring crime and terrorism, particularly when it comes to policing significant events.

“Project Servator will form a vital part of our policing operation for Cop26, as we work closely with Police Scotland and our railway partners to ensure the safety and security of the travelling public.”

He said passengers can expect to see search dogs and armed police on patrol as part of Project Servator and urged those travelling to assist by reporting anything suspicious, either on the force’s text number 61016 or through 999 in an emergency.

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Denise Hamilton, Head of COP26 Team at Glasgow City Council, said: “We know that support from our businesses and citizens is crucial in helping us host a safe and successful summit. 

“Glasgow will be busy and people can play their part by remaining vigilant while moving around the city during COP26 and reporting anything that doesn’t seem or feel right.

“Our COP26 volunteers who will be based at various transport hubs, hotels and venues around the city will also be keeping an eye out for suspicious activity.”