Essex Police cracking down on crime during Euros
The force are calling on people to also stop their friends from driving a car over the limit
Essex Police are urging people across the county to celebrate responsibly, as the Euros start today.
The force will be patrolling hotspot areas, to limit and reduce the risk of crime across the county.
Among many issues that can rise whilst the tournament is taking place, are domestic abuse and violence, drink driving, and anti-social behaviour.
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington told Greatest Hits Radio the force's officers will be out to protect the public, and ensure everyone has a good time, safely.
They're warning during the Euros, if you're stopped and fail a breathalyser test for alcohol or a DrugWipe test for illegal substances, you will face severe consequences.
#NotComingHome
Essex Police are encouraging people to support their friends and family, by challenging them from getting into a car intoxicated in a movement called #NotComingHome.
Chief Constable Harrington said: "An encouragement from us is to ask people to actually look after your mates.
"You know, make sure they don't drink too much, make sure they don't drink drive, look after them. So much can be done about people having that tap on the shoulder to their friends and saying look 'calm down, slow down', and you can keep many people safe in that respect."
The force are sharing the hashtag #DontDrinkDrive otherwise you're #NotComingHome, warning a few minutes of planning can save lives.
Patrols across the county
As the Euros takes place, with England's first match on Sunday, officers will be patrolling across the county, targeting hotspots and making sure members of the pubic have a good time.
Plans are in place for officers to be at key locations in towns and city centres, as well as across the roads.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “We know the vast majority of people turning out at fan zones, pubs and bars will be law-abiding fans with no interest in causing trouble.
“But, particularly during the summer months, we know tournaments on this scale attract huge interest and venues across Essex are likely to be operating at increased capacity.
“Alcohol, sun and football, when taken together, can mean increased crowds and a rise in the risk of public disorder and violence – and we’ll be there to tackle this threat.
“More than anything else we are asking the public to watch and celebrate the tournament safely."
Chief Supt Anslow also said there are "appropriate" policing plans in place, for each of England's matchdays, with the force prepared to take action when crimes are committed.
Protecting victims of domestic abuse
Whilst domestic abuse is not directly linked solely to football, incidents do increase throughout major tournaments
As a priority for Essex Police throughout the year, the force acknowledge risk of increased disorder continues into homes across the county.
The force say attending incidents of domestic abuse always sees the wellbeing of the victim as their priority, encouraging them to be supportive of police action against the perpetrator.
They're also supporting survivors to speak and be referred to partner agencies, and will protect them throughout major tournaments through safeguarding where possible.
Domestic Violence Prevention Notices (DVPNs) are also able to be handed to perpetrators who they have not yet received authorisation to charge but who we strongly suspect have been violent in the domestic setting.
The notices run for 48 hours and mean the perpetrator cannot return to the home in that time. Within 48 hours, a court hearing takes place where the notice is converted into a Domestic Violence Prevention Order. That order is then in place for 28 days.
On Essex Police's website, they say: "Throughout the tournament, where there is evidence that a domestic incident can be directly linked to football, officers will also compile evidence to submit to the Crown Prosecution Service which will consider asking the courts to apply a football banning order to convicted perpetrators.
"That would be in addition to any restraining orders or non-molestation orders imposed by the court."
"It's a real sad reality that when we see England in a major football tournament, we see an increase in domestic abuse."
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington also said: "Interventions are in place to make sure that we keep people safe, protect victims and survivors, tackle perpetrators.
"I come back to this point - it's very much around people being able to come forward if they feel victimised, to tell us, to ring us."
"It's a real sad reality that when we see England in a major football tournament, we see an increase in domestic abuse."
The force are also engaging in pubs and clubs throughout the tournament, as well as licensed venues, to support local businesses and those using them throughout the Euros.