Merseyside Police Commissioner thanks officers for exceptional effort during Eurovision

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner has today released an open letter to the Chief Constable to thank the entire force for their exceptional effort keeping everyone safe during the nine days of Eurovision.

Dear Serena,

I write as Eurovision draws to a close to convey my profound thanks to you, your senior team and all the officers, PCSOs, staff and volunteers within Merseyside Police for your exceptional efforts keeping everyone safe during what has been an extraordinarily busy and high-profile fortnight for our region.

Eurovision has been an incredible spectacle and a fabulous international celebration of music and culture held on a staggering scale, honouring and representing Ukraine.

It has put our region under an unprecedented spotlight – with the eyes of 160 million people and the worldwide press focussed on Liverpool and hundreds of thousands of people descending on Merseyside to enjoy both the official concerts and also the myriad of dazzling and dramatic events laid on at venues and locations right across the city and beyond.

This has necessitated the largest security operation ever put into place within the city, with a highly complex and detailed policing plan and more than 5,500 police officers and staff deployed.

From the moment the announcement was made right through to the spectacular grand finale last night, the work by Merseyside Police to ensure everyone’s safety and assist with the smooth-running of the entire extravaganza has been outstanding.

At every stage and at every level of the organisation, the efforts by officers and staff have been second-to-none; from the meticulous planning and preparation work to the rigorous safety and protective security measures put in place and the high-visibility policing operation supporting people across the city.

This is not just my view. The feedback from the public and partners has been overwhelming, with so many people reaching out to me to praise your work and express their thanks.

I know policing Eurovision has put unparalleled demands on the force, especially running simultaneously to the Coronation, Premier League football, train strikes, and the usual day-to-day policing requirements, but the professionalism, dedication and commitment from the entire workforce has been exemplary.

Merseyside Police is already renowned for its ability to police events on the biggest scale; the operation to support Eurovision cements the force’s reputation nationally as the very best in the business.

My deepest thanks and congratulations go to everyone involved. I would be grateful if you could please convey these to the entire workforce.

Kind regards,