What is Operation TEMPERATURE?

Operation TEMPERER is designed to deploy active and reserve military personnel to support police operations in the event of a terrorist attack or a threat to national security. Designed under the legal authority of the Crown (Royal Prerogative), this operation was developed jointly with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior (responsible for police services) and the National Council of Chiefs of Police.

. When deployed, Operation TEMPERER soldiers are always in support and alongside the police force. Training costs are the responsibility of the armies, but operational costs are funded by the British Home Office.

The different components of Operation TEMPERER

Operation TEMPERER was launched to meet the needs of police forces under threat of terrorist attacks at any time and in any place. Once requisitioned by the Police Force and the Ministry of the Interior, the military is activated with the authorization of the Ministry of Defense. Below are the different components of the operation:

• Replacement of Police Authorised Firearms Officers/AFOs. This mission is intended to replace Police Authorised Firearms Officers (PAFOs) in the functions of protecting sites such as royal palaces, embassies, nuclear power plants and sites with military functions. Police officers released from these tasks may be used in direct support of police operations dedicated to terrorist threats and actions. This component was activated in May and September 2017.

• Active support to the Armed Police augmentation. If the release of armed officers described above is not sufficient to supplement the police presence required to maintain security, this component of the operation consists of increasing this presence with military personnel for public security roles. This increase results in the deployment of a joint force of police officers and soldiers to areas of high public use. Its purpose is to deter potential terrorist attacks and reassure the public.
  • Regional Reserve (Réserve régionale). If required, the British Ministry of Defence can activate a number of specially trained units to support the police in counter-terrorist operations. These units are known as "TEMPERATOR WATCH Battalions".
  • Strategic Reserve. If the situation requires increased support, the option remains to requisition additional military forces to maintain an increased armed police presence throughout the country.

  Status of Operation TEMPERER

  • Command. Full Command is retained by the Armed Forces. Operational Command of the units deployed under Operation TEMPERER is in the hands of the Standing Joint Commander (SJC(UK)), the commander of the joint operation designated by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) - the equivalent of our ECS to whom he reports directly. He is responsible for the training, planning and conduct of military-led security operations for the benefit of other government departments. The SJC(UK) Headquarters is a level 4* Planning and Operations Group (equivalent to a Lieutenant General) located at Montgomery House, near Aldershot.

  Legal position.

• Civilian authorities (such as the police) have constitutional and legal responsibility for the maintenance of security and public order. The legal basis for the provision of Military Assistance to the Civil Authorities (Military Assistance to the Civil Authorities) is the same as for the police.- MACA) is in the Royal Prerogative. As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, The Queen has a right of oversight over their organization and deployment. The authority to deploy troops within the United Kingdom to carry out military tasks, such as armed protection, is delegated by The Queen to the Secretary of State for Defence. The Royal Prerogative therefore provides the legal basis for the deployment of troops for Operation TEMPERER and grants operation commanders the right and authority to issue statutory orders.
  • Military personnel employed in this type of operation have the obligation to act in accordance with the law, whether military or civilian. They are not granted any powers that would go beyond the powers of an ordinary citizen. Military members have the right to use force in a reasonable and proportionate manner and only when the use of force is necessary. The use of force is authorized to protect against an imminent attack, to defend others, to prevent a crime, or to make or assist in making an arrest in which the use of force is necessary. Lethal force is authorized only if there is a danger to life and or if it is the only feasible recourse.
  • Deployment of soldiers and vehicles. The contingency plan provides for the deployment of up to 10,000 troops in this operation. All units (except Special Forces units) must be able to provide soldiers for protection tasks (PROTECT TASKS). Only COMBAT and SUPPORT units are allowed to participate in PURSUE TASKS. Green and white (unarmoured) transport vehicles to bring soldiers to their posts. No military vehicles are used for patrol, guard or "reassurance" tasks.