control rooms have an SBP digital radio handset. And all of the security officers working in the area and everyone with a river- facing business know the South Bank Patrol in their recognisable burgundy livery. The National Theatre recently needed to evacuate due to a suspect package. David Clark explained, “Using the SBP and the radio assistance, they were quickly able to get expert support from the surrounding area and cordons were in place within minutes using Griffin trained officers from surrounding businesses. It’s all about mutual support, each business knows it can rely on its neighbour in times of need and it works remarkably well.”
So what does the South Bank Patrol consist of? There is a team of 4 or 5 Shield Guarding staff, under the management of the South Bank Employers' Group, operating at Westminster Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge, 7 days a week, for 12 hours a day. Each of them carries an SBP digital radio handset, which links them with security officers working in the area and the local police. Police officers patrolling in the area carry an SBP radio – the first instance of this occurring in the country.
Gavin Buttigieg, the team leader of the patrol, receives praise from all those who work with him. “We see Gavin on a regular basis, and we are very lucky to have him, not everyone takes their role so seriously, so professionally”, says Glen Smyth.
A crucial aspect of why the SBP works is the special powers it has. Firstly, it has delegated powers from the Local Authority, Lambeth Council to deal with illegal traders. Secondly, the patrol was given delegated police powers under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) within the Lambeth borough
area. Frequently, these powers are all that are needed to defuse a potentially difficult situation. Gavin says, “You can deal with incidents on the spot, you don’t have to rely on anyone else”. To achieve CSAS, police in Lambeth have trained the patrol and are closely monitoring the use of the new powers.
To keep the patrol and other security staff working in the area up-to-date with crime trends and best practice, they are provided with regular training, delivered by the Metropolitan Police. There are several packages covering Crime Prevention, Cordon Management, Crime Scene Management and monthly Counter Terrorism briefings. This training is offered to other staff working in the area, where needed. In the run up to the Olympics, all cleaners, front-of-house and public-facing staff have been provided with training. David Clark adds, “these joint training packages on suspect identification and advisory measures to prevent theft have been a phenomenal success, contributing to a 30% reduction in theft over a 3 month period”.
Could the South Bank Patrol work elsewhere? Eric Dench, chair of the South Bank Business Watch, believes it could, “it would be suitable for other inner city areas, where there is a network of private properties, such as shopping centres, business centres and entertainment areas.” His advice for those looking to set up a similar scheme is to keep it simple. Firstly, develop simple aims and objectives and remember that one size does not fit all – a scheme must be tailored to local demographics and needs. He also advises on “engaging with the local police and local authority early on, the Metropolitan Police have been crucial to the success of the SBP. This is not lip service; from PCSO to Borough
Commander, the police are well aware of the work that goes on and the partnerships are genuine”. And most crucially for Eric, “It is really important that it is owned by the businesses. It should not be owned by the police or council, or indeed by the largest business in the area. No one organisation should control it.”
So, what next for the South Bank Patrol? “The South Bank Business Watch as a consortium has a pretty powerful voice, lobbying central government even. We will look to do more of that – make demands for funding where we deem it proportionate and necessary. We never want something for nothing. Whatever project we run has to offer value for money and where it benefits businesses as well as the public, match funding, often in kind, is always on offer”, says David Clark.
Shortly, the patrols will be issued with PDAs; they are aiming to make the best of available technology, “they can use them to complete forms and statements and for photographic reports for council”, says David.
With a combination of good governance and understanding of the issues, enthusiastic staff and true partnership working, it looks like the South Bank Patrol is well-placed to tackle the challenges it faces.
Eugene O’Mahony Editor and Andrea Berkoff features writer, City Security magazine
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