High-visibility patrol officers having an impact
New high-visibility patrol officers have helped de-escalate altercations, prevented shop thefts and given a helping hand to people who are lost in the city centre.
The six officers have also given medical support, removed hazards and collected bodycam footage of crime and antisocial behaviour to pass on to Nottinghamshire Police for further investigation.
They have been providing a reassuring presence in Nottingham City Centre every Friday and Saturday evening since July, after being employed by Nottingham City Council using Nottingham Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden’s Situational Crime Prevention Fund.
This fund has seen the PCC make £67,500 available over two years to the city council and each of the district and borough councils across Nottinghamshire, to help pay for initiatives which prevent crime and antisocial behaviour and enhance safety in public spaces.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “Partnership working is crucial to providing effective public safety solutions that are tailored to individual communities and their needs.
“Nottingham City Council has used its allocation of Situational Crime Prevention Funding to employ high-visibility officers who can provide a reassuring additional presence in the city centre, helping to de-escalate altercations and keep our existing police officers free to deal with more serious incidents, and help ensure people have a safe and enjoyable time, every time they come to Nottingham city centre.”
The high-visibility patrol officers have carried out extensive patrols across key city areas such as Clumber Street, the Old Market Square, Broadmarsh, and Milton Street.
They have recorded hundreds of incidents and interventions since they started in July, including:
· Attending reports of a fight outside a candy stall in the Old Market Square, where the officers stopped the altercation and called police on their radios while recording bodycam footage and also liaising with city council CCTV operators, to support the investigation, on 15 August.
· On 8 August, while on patrol in Clumber Street, they also intervened when shop security guards were dealing with an angry customer. The officers helped secure the site until police arrived.
· During a patrol in Lister Gate on 25 July, they prevented criminal damage by youths who were trying to get into the Broadmarsh library – moments after giving first aid to a young boy who had a bleeding thumb outside the Council House.
· Moving on a group of people causing a disturbance outside the KFC in Milton Street on 25 July.
· Assisted a member of the public who needed medical attention and waited with them until an ambulance arrived in Lister Gate, on 8 August.
· Directed someone to dismount their bike in a pedestrian area in Lister Gate on 16 August.
Public engagement is also a major focus, with officers frequently helping with directions, calming situations, and supporting vulnerable individuals.
Many members of the public have made comments to the officers about welcoming their high-visibility presence, giving the public an extra way to seek refuge if they need help.
They can also use their radios to request police help, gather evidence, be professional witnesses and provide bodycam evidence for police investigations.
Councillor Corall Jenkins, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Waste and Equalities at Nottingham City Council, said: “Since their introduction, the high-visibility patrol officers have become a really valued part of our city centre. They are not only deterring crime and antisocial behaviour, but also stepping in to de-escalate situations, provide first aid, and offer reassurance to residents, businesses and visitors alike.
“The feedback we’ve had from the public shows how much their presence is appreciated. Thanks to the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner, we’ve been able to strengthen community safety in a very visible and practical way, helping people feel confident and supported as they enjoy everything Nottingham has to offer.”
In developing this service, Nottingham's Business Improvement District, It's in Nottingham, have offered their support to align the scheme with existing city centre management initiatives - especially those which ensure Nottingham remains a safe and welcoming place for businesses and visitors.