NATO 2014: 10 years on

In September 2014, the eyes of the world were on Wales as the Heads of State and Government visited for the NATO Summit. The occasion prompted a policing operation of epic proportion and the likes of which would make history in Wales. Ten years on, we look back at the success of the event and our role in helping to keep the Summit safe for all.

Held in Newport, but with associated events taking place in Cardiff, the 2014 NATO Summit gave world leaders the stage to discuss urgent matters of global security and further strengthen transatlantic bonds between nations.

The policing operation surrounding the Summit involved over 9,000 police officers from forces across the UK and the security measurements put in place took months of planning and were unlike anything seen by communities in south Wales before.

Armed police, as well as officers on horseback, bikes and on foot became a familiar site across Newport and Cardiff during the occasion and patrol boats from across Europe kept guard of Cardiff Bay.

Twelve miles of security fencing was built ahead of the event, and stretched through Newport and Cardiff where the Summit engagements took place.

During the events, South Wales Police provided support to neighbouring force Gwent Police and undertook the policing arrangements for associated events held in the capital, which included the dinner of the Heads of State at Cardiff Castle and the informal dinner of Ministers of Foreign Affairs held at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

After of the Summit, the force was praised for not only for helping to plan and secure a safe event but for the way in which it collaborated with other forces to deliver a high quality of services and engagement with locals communities.

A decade later, we are still proud of the role we played in the 2014 NATO Summit and the example it sets for collaborative working on a major scale.