Introducing PC Rich Lymer

Mon 19 Feb 2024 - 12:00PM

“Hopefully by now anyone reading this has seen either myself or another police officer present at a Tamworth football match this season, whether it has been at home or away, and I just wanted to explain why.

I’m PC Rich Lymer, and my role within Staffordshire Police is a Dedicated Football Officer. I currently have responsibility for two clubs; Tamworth and Burton Albion (despite the rivalry!). I’ve been a police officer for nearly twenty-four years and in those years, I’ve held roles in response, neighbourhood and road policing before more recently moving into my current role in the football unit.

To explain my role, I act as a point of liaison from Staffordshire Police with Tamworth FC and other interested stakeholders and partners at Tamworth FC. These can be anything from safety and security, supporting the club, preventing and investigating criminal offences, along with anti-social behaviour, community engagement opportunities and partnership working.

My role also requires me to be visible, approachable and contactable within the supporter community at Tamworth FC, so just because you see me or another police officer on a matchday, doesn’t mean there is going to be or there has been a problem. We work these fixtures in a reassurance capacity with the capability to be able to react and respond if needed.

There has been a small number of issues with regards to supporter behaviour at Tamworth matches this season, but this is with a very small minority of fans. Working with Tamworth Football Club and the matchday stewarding and safety team, we will continue to ensure that the standards of behaviour remains are at the level expected and that anyone who falls below this level is dealt with fairly but robustly.

If you see myself or any of my colleagues on a matchday then please don’t be afraid to come along and say hello. Likewise for those on social media, I have recently created an account on X (formerly Twitter) that you can follow for matchday advice, news and information relating to Tamworth FC so please give the account a follow. The account name is @Police_TFC

Please note this account is not for the reporting of crimes or incidents and either 101 in a non-emergency or 999 in an emergency should be used for this. For any questions or queries you may have you can also contact me by email of richard.lymer@staffordshire.police.uk”