Police leaders have responded sharply to a report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which criticised forces for failing to tackle the rapid spread of misinformation during last summer’s riots. The report calls for urgent reform in how law enforcement addresses false narratives online during times of public unrest.
Sir Andy Cooke, head of the inspectorate, warned that misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms played a significant role in inciting violence across several English cities last year. Speaking at the launch of the watchdog’s second report on the policing response to the disturbances, Sir Andy urged police forces to become more agile and transparent, particularly in engaging with mainstream media outlets to counter false claims.
“Policing cannot afford to be passive when public safety is on the line,” he said. “While forces cannot control the pace and scale of online content, they must improve their ability to counter false narratives. There was an information vacuum during the disorder, and it was quickly filled by damaging misinformation.”
The report further stated that many police forces still lack adequate resources or strategies to address social media manipulation, despite recommendations dating back to 2011 and 2021 urging better intelligence-gathering and digital responsiveness.
However, Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), hit back at the findings, warning against what he described as an oversimplified and unbalanced portrayal of the situation.
“While there are undoubtedly lessons to be learned, it is essential to recognise that law enforcement agencies are not – and should not be – the regulators of online content,” he said. “Responsibility for what is posted online lies with the individuals sharing it, the platforms that host it, and the regulators responsible for oversight.”
Stephens added that although some forces are struggling with capacity, communication teams have worked diligently to disseminate accurate and timely updates during periods of unrest. He also underscored that addressing the scale and complexity of digital misinformation requires a collaborative, cross-government effort, not solely the burden of policing.
The report included testimony from a police communications chief who admitted that the service had “no proper answer” for the speed and reach of online falsehoods. In response, Sir Andy said the lack of a dedicated police intelligence network focused on disorder, and a shortfall in neighbourhood policing, had left officers less attuned to rising tensions on the ground.
“The threat was foreseeable,” the report noted, adding that national police intelligence assessments wrongly classified the risk of widespread unrest as ‘low’, delaying mobilisation efforts.
Sir Andy further called on Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to be granted enhanced powers and resources to take down harmful posts during fast-moving incidents. He argued that existing laws, including the Online Safety Act, are not currently effective during real-time crises.
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“Ofcom must be equipped to act swiftly. If viral content isn’t removed quickly, it spreads uncontrollably, exacerbating disorder,” he said. “There must also be tougher penalties for those who knowingly incite violence online through false information.”
Emily Spurrell, Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, echoed concerns raised in the report. “It’s alarming that forces are still falling short, especially as technology evolves at such a pace. Police must invest in the tools, people and strategies to detect and prevent online-fuelled unrest.”
She added: “If we want our police to respond effectively to future incidents, they must be prepared to navigate the digital landscape as skilfully as they do the streets.”
With social media now an undeniable driver of public sentiment, the debate over who bears responsibility for truth and safety online remains far from resolved. While the inspectorate calls for immediate reform, police chiefs insist the burden cannot fall squarely on their shoulders. The challenge now is whether policymakers, platforms and law enforcement can forge a united front before the next wave of disorder strikes.
