New security patrols to support city centre safety
A new initiative in Nottingham city centre is being launched to ensure citizens and visitors feel safe and supported.
It has been made possible through funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), provided through the Situational Crime Prevention Fund. The fund is designed to support practical measures that help reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, making public spaces safer and more secure for everyone.
Six SIA-accredited security officers will be deployed in key hotspot areas across the city centre on Friday and Saturday to cover peak hours when people are leaving work, shopping, or heading out for the evening. This initiative will run until September with plans to return during the busy Christmas period.
Patrols will cover high-footfall areas including the Old Market Square, canal paths, tram stops, and other key zones based on local need. The team will offer a visible presence, providing reassurance and practical support to both citizens and visitors during busy evening hours.
Equipped with radios and body-worn cameras, the security offices will be in direct contact with the Police, Neighbourhood Safety Officers, and the city’s CCTV control room. Their role will be to tackle low-level disruption, engage with the public, and provide first aid support when needed. They will also help address antisocial behaviour, including the unsafe use of e-scooters and bikes, while offering a visible and reassuring presence in the city centre.
The funding for the scheme has come through the Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden’s Situation Crime Prevention Fund, which provides £67,500 for each local authority across Nottinghamshire, to devise crime prevention and community safety initiatives which aid in the delivery of his Police and Crime Plan.
PCC Godden said: “This scheme will provide additional high-visibility support and reassurance for people in the city centre.
“As trained security officers they will use their skills to de-escalate situations and tackle other low-level issues to help keep the police free to deal with more serious offending. They will also be extra eyes and ears for the police and work closely with them to respond to issues before they develop.
“This is in addition to the excellent neighbourhood policing and response offer that the city centre already benefits from.
“It also complements other public safety schemes operating in the city including the Safe Space Pledge, with participating premises having staff trained to support vulnerable people, and the recently launched Operation Safenet, which sees Nottinghamshire Police and NET working together to provide extra resource to keep people safe on the tram network.
“All of these public safety schemes are designed to ensure people are free to come to the city secure in the knowledge they can have a safe and enjoyable time.”
Councillor Corall Jenkins, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Waste and Equalities said: “This is a really positive step for Nottingham. Thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner, we’re able to provide extra security patrols that will make a real difference to how safe people feel in the city centre.
“Whether it’s deterring antisocial behaviour, offering a friendly presence, or providing visible support in busy areas, this initiative is all about helping residents and visitors alike feel confident and supported as they enjoy everything our city has to offer.”
This work runs alongside our Love Your City Centre campaign, which focuses on tackling crime and cleaning up Nottingham’s streets to make the city centre feel safer and more welcoming.
Nottinghamshire Police Superintendent Chris Pearson, city commander, said: “We welcome the additional resources that the council has appointed with Situational Crime Prevention Fund.
“These new security officers will be an extra pair of eyes and ears on the street and will only enhance our offering to improve public safety. I am committed that they will work collaboratively with our resources.”