Safer Streets: LIBERTY UK partners with Police

LIBERTY Steel UK has provided a secure site at the former Roundwood Mill (Rotherham, near BBR) for South Yorkshire Police to use as a firearms training facility. This partnership provides officers with a realistic and versatile environment to hone their skills, ultimately enhancing public safety across the region.

Previously, firearms training took place at multiple locations, however, none of these locations met their specific requirements. That’s why last year, South Yorkshire Police approached LIBERTY with a request to use parts of the site for dog and firearms training.

Before granting access, LIBERTY’s Health and Safety and Security Departments, along with GFG Insurers, conducted a thorough risk assessment, weighing all pros and cons. With the necessary precautions in place, police officers commenced their training exercises.

Edward Bradshaw, LIBERTY Specialty Steels Property and Facilities Manager, said: 

“We understand the crucial role police officers play in keeping our communities safe. Providing this space for their training is our way of supporting their vital work. Of course, we follow all safety and security protocols to ensure the safety of our own staff on-site.”

During a recent visit, we witnessed officers engage in simulated scenarios, including chasing and stopping a suspect’s car. 

Simon Harrison, Police Instructor, highlighted the diverse situations they simulate, including bodyguard training for royal or ministerial visits, vehicle attacks, and principal evacuations: 

“All armed police officers have to regularly pass firearms training to stay on track and be able to respond quickly and professionally in real-life emergencies. Approximately 120 ground officers from South Yorkshire Police will now regularly attend LIBERTY’s site for these essential refresh trainings, organised in different groups on a weekly basis. 

We train for a variety of situations, such as protecting VIPs or responding to vehicle attacks. These exercises are vital for our officers to be fully prepared for real-life emergencies. Although it may look real with smoke bombs and simulated arrests, we also use guns, however, they are not capable of firing live rounds, so there’s no need for public concern. “

All exercises are always conducted with the utmost safety measures in place, ensuring that the public and participants remain secure. LIBERTY’s site offers the perfect layout and variety for our training needs, and, importantly, it’s at no cost. We’re grateful for LIBERTY’s support, which allows us to provide the best possible training for our officers.”

Simon Harrison

This partnership between LIBERTY Steel UK and South Yorkshire Police reflects a collaborative effort towards community safety, ensuring that law enforcement officers are well-equipped and prepared to handle a variety of challenging situations.