Hanley and Tamworth riots last summer cost Staffordshire Police £3m after violent disorder and a police response. 200 arrests made.
The police chief wants government money because he fears cuts without financial support. Other investigations suffer due to the riots, as resources are limited. The focus shifted to handle the disorder.
Police estimate the total cost at £3 million. This includes both response and investigations, covering work done by April. The Chief Constable spoke at a meeting.
Police are thoroughly investigating the riots, seeking evidence everywhere, and focusing on upholding the law. He holds accountable those who threaten officers, ensuring public safety too.
The investigation uses a lot of money and also slows down other investigations. Police will carefully monitor the situation, and people will face consequences for breaking laws. The financial impact is significant.
Disorder occurred in Hanley on August 3rd, where anti-migrant and Muslim groups clashed. On August 4th, rioters targeted a Holiday Inn, throwing bricks and fireworks at officers.
A police leader thinks government should help because Staffordshire Police contained the disorder early. This stopped it from spreading nationally, so supporting them is a national duty. It helps services that responded first.
Staffordshire Police sent detailed accounts to government. These accounts showed all spending since the riots, and they await a response about financial recovery. Positive signs exist, but nothing is final. Cuts will happen without this support, and service to Staffordshire will worsen then.
Police work to improve community relations, working with government and local groups. This aims to prevent future violence in both towns, and they want to keep this issue a national priority.