§ David WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he gives on policing Football League games in England. [49932]
§ Mr. DenhamHome Office advice is provided on the legislative framework for policing football matches. Responsibility for policing matches rests with the local police ground and match commanders. Operational guidance is co-ordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers.
§ David WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals, by club, who purport to support English Nationwide and Premier League football teams are classified as football hooligans within Home Office categories. [49931]
§ Mr. DenhamThe information requested is not held centrally. Local police forces are responsible for monitoring and maintaining a record of the behaviour of football hooligans who associate themselves with domestic football clubs. Government, Association of Chief Police Officers and the National Criminal Intelligence Service no longer apply hooligan categories to individuals involved in football disorder. This has been replaced by a more targeted, intelligence-led approach.