Last season AFC Bournemouth saw an increase in match day security around Dean Court.
Supporters now are subjected to body searches prior to entering the ground, which includes empty pockets, having a magic wand waved around their body and a rather friendly pat down.
All bags are checked and tagged, before being told to “enjoy your day”.
This season, individual match ticket holders are being asked to also bring photographic identification with them.
All of this work is done by the AFC Bournemouth matchday staff and stewards.
There has also been an increase in police attending Premier League matches at Dean Court and the Daily Echo have reported that this was at an overall cost of £342,354.60 for the opening 13 games of the 2017/18 campaign.
Of that figure, AFC Bournemouth paid Dorset Police £76,269.90.
Superintendent Mike Rogers told the Daily Echo…
“In Dorset each game is given a category, based on a threat assessment in conjunction with the club. Based on this categorisation, we will then deploy a set number of officers on a matchday to police the game itself and the wider town,”
This is highlighted by 67 police officers being in attendance for the fixture against local neighbours Southampton and only 21 at the game for a midweek fixture against Burnley.
He continued…
“It is important to stress that Dorset Police does not make a profit out of football. Under legislation we can only charge for certain aspects of our policing costs, not our total costs. This is as a result of legal precedent.
“In line with this, our costs charged to the club only cover the officers who are at the ground itself and just for the time they are in attendance. While the overall cost to the force shown in the figures covers the cost of all officers required as part of the matchday operation for their whole shift…
Your say…
GARYafCb wrote…
Loads of coppers at the Marseille game Saturday.
All in their paramilitary garb – combat trousers, utility vests, baseball caps, etc.
What is that all about – and what is the point?
Can only think it racks them up a nice bit of overtime and gives them a chance to strut around looking cool and well hard.
Ridiculous in my humble opinion. – Join the conversation, click here.
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