South Wales Police pledges "robust" response to disorder
Officers have revealed more details of how they police protests
South Wales Police has pledged to respond "robustly" to any criminal offences, if disorder takes place following protests.
More than 700 people have been arrested in nearly a fortnight of riots in parts of the UK.
Officers say protests have taken place on a regular basis in Cardiff and Swansea city centres, as well as some South Wales towns.
Some are in relation to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with some following the killing of three girls in Southport.
In a statement, South Wales Police said: "Policing protest activity is complex, particularly when there is the extra dimension of thousands of people visiting the city centres at weekends and for major events.
"South Wales Police supports the right for people to make their voices heard through protest providing it is done lawfully. Decisions about how to police protests require consideration of complex and often competing rights and issues.
"Whenever a protest is organised, a policing operation will be in effect and we will be working to ensure that they take place safely, lawfully with minimum disruption to the wider public, who should be able to go about their business safely.
"We have no reason to expect disorder but will deal robustly with anyone who chooses to commit criminal offences such as violence and damage."
Officers added that Police Liaison Officers, wearing blue tabards, will be deployed to engage with people taking part in any protests.
They explained: "These officers are specially trained to engage with and ensure the flow of information between police officers, crowd members and other individuals at all times during the event in order to support public safety and the effective running of a peaceful protest.
"We encourage those taking part in the protests to engage with these officers so we can understand their intentions and concerns, we can then assist them in facilitating their protest in a way that their voice can be heard whilst also balancing the needs of the wider community."
The force said its officers "strive" to strike a balance to ensure the rights of participants and passers-by are respected and upheld.