up to support personal safety


sharing and have successful relationships with police forces, local authorities and other stakeholders, and they tackle crime at a local level; therefore, sharing all the intelligence and incidents we have with them is critical. It builds a picture and evidence to ensure arrests are made.


Where areas have a Business Improvement District (BID) in place, retailers and companies are now asking that as part of their levy payment, the BID provides security. That security is also an important element in reporting. The security officers are patrolling the local area and their reports join those reported from inside the building. This all adds up to a total picture and, in turn, can help support a reduction in crime.


That person who is violent, and not just aggressive in one particular shop or bar, and this behaviour is continual; reporting this and collaborating is vital, and as evidence is required to ensure action is taken.


Step 4 – Strong and effective campaigns


Many years ago, smoking a cigarette was totally acceptable. You would light up on a train or bus, or even smoke all the way to Ibiza! If someone lit up a cigarette now, at their desk as an example, it would be totally abhorrent. In fact, it just would not happen. This change was effected by, of course, the change in law, but in the main by repeated messaging. The same can be applied to anti- social, aggressive and violent behaviour, so that it becomes so intolerable


The same was applied to drink driving and wearing a seat belt. Of course, there will always be an element of society that will break the rules but the majority will adhere. Importantly, more and more people will report it, if someone gets into a car drunk. They know what could happen if they did not.


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campaigns to share messaging around unacceptable and anti-social behaviour and violent crime. One could argue this is the government’s responsibility. As providers of a service, we can also effect change; we too, as security companies, can put out this messaging – that anti-social, aggressive behaviour is unacceptable and will be dealt with and reported. Eventually, by joining forces in this joint messaging, they have nowhere to hide.


Step 5 – Apps and technology in support


What can we do now to protect ourselves and our staff?


There are many safety and crime reporting apps available. Imabi is a unified technology platform that aims to tackle harmful and unacceptable behaviours. This can be tailored and customised and is behind a number of safety products, including the BTP Railway Guardian app and other applications for schools, businesses and a soon-to-be released community version.


An alternative being used by Bradford BID is WalkSafe. WalkSafe has identified the need for digital solutions that help make people feel safe and secure. Their mission is to bring the world’s safety and security data into accessible apps and platforms giving users ‘safety at their fingertips’.


What is relevant on a good app is real police crime data pulled regularly from the police database. The app should be able to toggle on and off the crime data, and display safe spaces, live angel beacons, trained premises and community data. It should actively encourage users to report if there has been a lack of street lights, if somewhere feels unsafe or if rowdy groups are nearby. The user should believe that inputting data into the map enables other users to avoid these hot spots and creates a culture of prevention and community. The apps should take the data


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collected (for example, continuous lack of lighting in certain roads) to local authorities to improve residents' local neighborhoods, as well as displaying safe havens and crisis centres.


This reporting will hopefully also encourage venues to improve and work towards better safety outcomes for both employees and customers.


The crucial element of any safety app is what happens when you hit that SOS button. Most allow you to enter a list of contacts and will alert them when you require help. However, an additional feature is where it is monitored by a 24/7 Control Room which can speak to the person to ascertain what help is needed or just keep talking to them. They can deploy a security mobile patrol car. Companies are taking this option up, so that they know their staff can get a response if required.


For security companies which have their own mobile cars or work with a network, the more cars able to respond, the better the chances are that help will be there swiftly. It is that peace of mind that someone can be with you when required. It is also a deterrent to any would-be attacker, that now responses are swift.


In conclusion


I believe this all begins with effective education from early years on what constitutes unacceptable behaviour. In support we need diverse and proactive security delivery, constant media messaging to show this behaviour is unacceptable, with technology and constant and consistent reporting. This means we as an industry will be doing something that will effect change.


Judy Atkinson Group Sales Director Lodge Service


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