What role does a Dedicated Football Officer (DFO) play?

A Dedicated Football Officer (DFO) serves as a crucial liaison and source of expertise within the realm of football policing. This role is primarily focused on providing a focal point for all football-related policing information, which includes gathering intelligence, facilitating communication between clubs, and coordinating with various stakeholders such as local authorities and fan groups. This centralized approach ensures that issues related to football events can be addressed effectively and efficiently, promoting safety and security at matches.

The role of a DFO is not limited to the enforcement of laws or the management of event security in isolation, which would involve broader responsibilities that require collaboration with other officers and agencies. Additionally, while the DFO may have some oversight regarding the registration of football clubs, this is not their primary function, as that responsibility typically lies with governing bodies in football and not specifically with policing. Thus, the DFO's core responsibility revolves around information sharing and partnership building to enhance safety during football events.