Police Scotland utilising Project Servator for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon

A police tactic designed to disrupt criminal activity and provide a reassuring presence for the public will be in place for this year’s The 152nd Open in South Ayrshire.

There are less than three weeks to go until the last major golf championship of the year gets underway at Royal Troon.

Project Servator is used by police forces across the UK and forms a part of the policing operation for the event. It brings together a number of key organisations involved in the Championship such as The R&A, British Transport Police, South Ayrshire Council, stewards, security and on-site staff, as well as the local community.

The tactic focuses on building a network of vigilance to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, and encourages people to report suspicious or unusual activity. Specially trained Project Servator uniformed officers will be engaging with local businesses and those attending the event by handing out leaflets and explaining how people can play their part. They will be supported by a range of specialist police resources including dogs, horses, armed officers, plain clothed officers and road policing officers.

Chief Superintendent Alan Waddell, police lead for The Open, said: “The 152nd Open will be one of the biggest events Ayrshire has ever hosted and it should be a historic occasion for the local community and golf fans across the world.

“We want to help the public understand what Project Servator is. We want everyone to be reassured by our visible presence at the event and have the confidence to report anything that seems suspicious.

“Projector Servator is utilised regularly at major events and is not in response to any specific threat.

“Everyone has a part to play and we will have eyes and ears everywhere.

“Police Scotland has an enviable reputation around the world for the policing of major events including previous Open Championships, the Commonwealth Games and COP26.

“Our planning for the Championship has been ongoing for several months alongside the organisers and other key partners as we look to help The R&A deliver a safe and secure event.”

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said: “We want everyone to leave Royal Troon having enjoyed a memorable experience of attending The 152nd Open and so we are working closely with the police and our security advisors to stage a safe and secure Championship.

“We encourage all fans to be familiar with the aims of Project Servator and play a role in ensuring that the possibility of criminal activity is reduced by reporting any suspicious or unusual behaviour happening in and around the venue.”

The 152nd Open Championship will take place from Sunday 14 – Sunday 21 July, 2024.

To find out more about Project Servator, click this link: https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/counter-terrorism/project-servator/