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The debate should state: "Was there a need for extra policing at Jersey Live 2007"
Security staff are hired to prevent festival goers to enter back stage, areas off limits etc. Bouncers/security staff from popular nightclubs of Jersey were patrolling the festival for wrong doings and Jersey Police were deployed around the festival. I do not see the need for extra police from England, as there isnt an appropriate need for them. A handful of incidents were reported and dealt with accordingly. In a concentrated area of 10,000 people, that is little to report, especially when a typical weekend night of St Helier will have more grievance to attend to.
I have attended all Jersey Live festivals to date. This years achievement of expanding the capacity to 10,000 was an exciting prospect. I did feel the presence of police this year. Is this a feeling the festival should have?! Maybe a sence of freedom where you arent being watched is more appropriate.
The police staff were friendly, polite and looked like they were having a good time, but not really doing a job. Most were standing around seemingly with nothing to do, but watch the crowds and bands alike.
If the amount of police staff were cut, the overall cost will lower. The event could and should be policed locally, not by forces from the mainland. Jersey forces seem to be successful with the Battle of Flowers, Batte of Britain and events alike. Why can't the Jersey police force secure an event like this?
I think the term festival sends alarm bells ringing. Maybe the police force should take note from, or visit other large festivals in the mainland and learn from experienced officers who have attended these events. I have travelled the world and attended many festivals over the years. Jersey Live is a small festival, but the price is high. Especially when you take into account the price for a three day festival in the UK, such as Glastonbury or the Reading & Leeds festivals. These festivals are little over the price of a Jersey Live ticket, have around fourteen times the amount of people, camping, a better festival spirit, have fewer police per head (compared to Jersey Live) and are able to cope.
Why cant Jersey Live cope?
Fewer police = cheaper tickets = happy customers.
Thanks for the chance to view my opinion M Conway