Around 30 attended last tonights meeting, some of whom still badly scarred following Saturdays game, with the club being represented by Sam Hammam , J Jenkins, W Nash, J Richards also present were Simon Insole and Wayne Palmer from the S Wales police.
Long discussions took place about the events that led to the injuries to our fans and there were many witness accounts.
Plymouth Saturday was also discussed and our need to ensure it goes off quietly following last week,not only for the clubs sake but also for the fans who could really do without more headlines next week.
The club acknowledged how far the club has come in reducing troublesome matches and our arrest figures have dramatically dropped before the Wolves game.
Fears were also expressed about the Coventry game at the end of the season also a west Midland police area.
The main point of the meeting was to reassure people that the club were there to help victims also to issue advice.
It was also stressed that we must also keep our house in order and try to stop incidents starting whenever possible.
Practical advice.
1. If you were unhappy about what you witnessed Saturday then make a complaint to your LOCAL police station(do it even if you suffered no injury) The more complaints they get the stronger our case becaomes...say things as you saw them be truthful...once you have done this tell the club so they can keep a log of things.
If you were injured and want action against the West Midlands police report the incident that caused your injuries...again to your LOCAL police then get down to a lawyer for advice....IMPORTANT...MAKE SURE ITS A LAW FIRM THAT SPECIALISES IN THIS ACTION.....De Maids in Cardiff or Leo Absey in the Cynon valley are two good ones if you know others add them to the list.
Ensure you have hospital reports and photos of your injuries.
Vince is our representative on the national council of the FSF Football supporters federation and he has reported the matter to them..they also have specialist solicitors to deal with these things.Other clubs are also coming to our aid to back up our case..they have all been victim of over zealous policing in the west midland area.
EVERYONE AGREED THAT THE POOR COMMUNICATION PRE MATCH WAS A MAJOR FACTOR IN EVENTS THAT FOLLOWED.
I have complaint form information here if you need it the form gives guidelines on these matters...here it is for you...
Making a complaint about the police - Don't let apathy win
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Should you make a complaint?
If you think that a police officer has behaved incorrectly or unfairly, you have the right to make a complaint.
First, decide what you think the police officer or officers did wrong. For example, were they rude to you? Did they use excessive force? Were you unlawfully arrested? Were your rights abused?
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, you should make your complaint within 12 months of the alleged incident.
What should your complaint say?
Your complaint should include:
When it happened
What happened
What was done
What was said
Whether they were any witnesses
Where the witnesses can be contacted
What proof exists of any damage or injury
How do you make a complaint?
Go into any police station where you will be seen by a senior officer on duty, probably an inspector or sergeant
Visit your local Citizens' Advice Bureau, who can advise you whether you have grounds for a complaint
Contact your solicitor or Member of Parliament
Get someone else to put forward your complaint (eg, friend or neighbours, as long as they have a letter from you authorising them to do so)
Write a full account to the Chief Constable or contact:
The Independent Police Complaints Commission
90 High Holborn
London, WC1V 6BH
Tel: 08453 002 002
enquiries@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk
http://www.ipcc.gov.uk
or download the form, print and send it:
http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/complaint_form3.pdf
They will forward your complaint to the police.
What will happen to your complaint?
Less Serious Complaints
If you would be satisfied with an explanation or an apology where appropriate the police may be able to resolve your complaint informally.
Serious Complaints
If an informal approach is not acceptable to you, or if the complaint raises certain more serious allegations, it must be fully investigated by a senior police officer. Police forces must notify the most serious complaints to the Independent Police Complaints Commission as soon as they are recorded. The Commission must, by law, supervise certain investigations and in others they may choose to do.
Supervised Cases
The Independent Police Complaints Commission approve the appointment of the investigating officers, decide how the inquiry should be carried out, read all the statements and see all the evidence. The final report comes to the Commission who state whether they were satisfied or not with the way the investigation was carried out.
Unsupervised Cases
Where the IPCC do not supervise, the police force will appoint an officer to investigate the complaint.
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What will happen after the investigation?
The Crown Prosecution Service must decide whether any criminal charges will be brought against police officers.
The IPCC then decide whether or not any police officers should face disciplinary charges. Action can only be taken if it can be proved that an officer has breached the Police Discipline Code.
If there is a disciplinary hearing, you will hear from the police. You may be asked to attend; indeed, you are likely to be an important witness.
It may be that no action is to be taken or the officer is to face less formal disciplinary action such as 'advice' or 'admonishment'.
What if there are no charges?
If there are no charges you will receive a letter explaining the outcome of your complaint.
Can you take civil action?
Making a complaint does not affect your right to take the police to court and sue for damages. For advice on civil actions you should contact a solicitor.
Other useful links to make a complaint
West Midlands Police
http://www.west-midlands.police.uk
South Wales Police
http://www.south-wales.police.uk
Hugh James solicitors
http://www.hughjames.info
The Independent Police Complaints Commission
90 High Holborn
London, WC1V 6BH
Tel: 08453 002 002
enquiries@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk
http://www.ipcc.gov.uk
or download the form, print and send it:
http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/complaint_form3.pdf
You are not alone in this and the support is there...there is evidence already gathered to help fans...more evidence that will help MUST be disclosed by the WMP when required...i will help in anyway i can with advice...so will Vince and so will Wayne Nash at the club.
Please remember that everyone there has a part to play...if you feel strongly about the events in Wolves go to your local police station and file a complaint against the treatment you received at Wolves.
Finally all those who go to Plymouth, be aware the whole football world is watching us again...lets have a quiet peaceful day with a nice win to come home with...Plymouth police have promised to be fair to us and don't mind us having a couple of pints in pubs on the way down...but they won't accept drunks trying to enter the ground...drink not drunk that is the message