Police Defend Response to 2023 Disorder, Challenge HMICFRS Report Findings

British police leadership has welcomed the final report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) on last summer’s nationwide disorder while pushing back against several of its conclusions, particularly regarding the handling of online misinformation.

The report, released today, acknowledges the “bravery and professionalism” of officers who worked to protect communities and restore order during the complex events that unfolded across the UK in summer 2023. Police officials highlighted that the operation was largely successful, resulting in 1,840 arrests and 1,103 charges since the disorder occurred.

However, senior police leaders have taken issue with the report’s assessment of law enforcement’s role in countering harmful online content. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) argues that the report places “unrealistic expectations” on policing while failing to adequately address the responsibilities of social media platforms and regulatory bodies.

“A more balanced assessment is needed, particularly regarding policing’s role in tackling misinformation and disinformation,” said Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the NPCC. “While there are lessons to learn, it is crucial to acknowledge that law enforcement does not – and should not – regulate online content.”

Stephens emphasized that responsibility for accurate information ultimately rests with those posting content, platform providers, and regulatory authorities. He noted that the scale and complexity of online misinformation extends far beyond what law enforcement can address alone.

“No public sector organisation or body responsible for public safety is fully equipped to address the scale and complexity of the problem,” Stephens added. “Policing alone cannot be expected to lead or resolve this volatile challenge; it requires a coordinated, cross-government approach.”

The NPCC also disputed claims in the report that no proper debriefing took place following the disorder. Chief Constable BJ Harrington, NPCC Lead for Operations and former Gold Commander of Operation Navette, stated that “extensive review work” had been undertaken, including national debriefs covering intelligence and crime operations.

“These debriefs, convened by the College of Policing and individual forces, allowed policing to review its approach, strengthen intelligence-sharing, and refine operational strategies,” Harrington said.

According to police leadership, they have already begun implementing measures to address lessons learned from last summer’s events. The NPCC reports that it is developing innovative technology solutions to enhance monitoring of misinformation and disinformation, building on social listening platforms used during the disorder. Additionally, collaboration with the Cabinet Office has been strengthened to improve coordination across government and policing.

The recently introduced Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee has expanded the capacity for local teams to engage more effectively with communities. Advanced technology to assess real-time public sentiment through enhanced community tensions monitoring is also under development.

Police leaders acknowledge the need for a multi-sector approach to tackle misinformation effectively. They highlight that public education plays a critical role, arguing that equipping communities with tools to critically assess online content must be a shared effort across government, tech companies, and civil society.

Stephens also defended the media strategy implemented during the disorder, which he says the report failed to fully recognize. “I pay tribute to colleagues in local policing and communications, who worked tirelessly with media colleagues to ensure accurate information, and the consequences of involvement in violent disorder, were widely known and understood.”

The NPCC is calling for a more proactive communication model that enables direct engagement with communities without overreliance on traditional media channels. However, Stephens noted that implementing such an approach would require resources that are currently strained due to financial pressures.

As the NPCC works to implement the report’s recommendations, police leadership maintains that addressing misinformation requires a comprehensive strategy beyond law enforcement alone—one that incorporates education, stronger regulatory oversight, and independent messaging strategies.

“We remain committed to learning from these events, refining our approach, and ensuring policing is prepared, resilient, and proactive in facing future challenges,” Stephens concluded.