CSSC looks at some of the global issues facing us


today& tomorrow Continued


Karen Ramirez CSSC South West


It was a delight to venture from the sunny South West region to London in October for the CSSC and City Kids 2023 Charity Dinner. One


personal highlight was seeing the


highly professional police cadets on duty, and in particular, the number of female cadets represented. I hope that a good proportion of them go on to pursue fulfilling careers in policing!


The security industry is striving to improve equality, diversity and inclusion, and this has never been more important in order for the communities we serve to feel comfortable approaching security or policing representatives when they need assistance.


In the south west, a number of towns and cities have launched Safe Buses that are highly visible, positioned in prominent locations and running from around 10:30pm to 4:30am on Friday and Saturday nights.


There are buses in Bath, Plymouth and Weston-super-Mare amongst others and I, for one, hope that this is a trend that will continue across other towns and cities in the region through 2024 and beyond.


Taking Bath as an example, it is a city that welcomes approximately six million tourists and 27 thousand students every year on top of the resident population, not to mention the influx of rugby supporters on match days!


The city’s Safe Bus launched in March 2023 and is staffed by a combination of medical, security and volunteer staff. It offers help to anyone who becomes vulnerable on a night out, from becoming separated from friends, to being able to charge a phone or receive emotional and health support. In its first few weeks, over 200 people were treated, many with health issues, thereby reducing callouts to the local ambulance team.


The buses are a welcome addition to the safeguarding of visitors and residents. Given the ongoing rise in violence against women and girls in particular, these buses are a welcome addition, along with other initiatives such as “Ask for Angela”, and I hope will be rolled out to those town and city centres that do not currently have one.


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This is just one of a number of initiatives that is gaining momentum, but one that is worthy of further investment and support as we grapple with some of the ongoing security challenges in society today.


Andy Bunce Deputy Chair, CSSC East Midlands


The challenges facing us here are set against a background of a deteriorating relationship between the West


and China, two years of war in Ukraine, the appalling situation in the Middle East and a world-wide economic downturn. In addition, there is the growing threat of environmental incidents and concerns about the use of Artificial Intelligence. In light of this, the role of Cross-Sector Safety and Security Communications (CSSC) will be ever more important as we move into 2024.


Within information vacuums, misinformation is often reinforced, rumours spread and key information is missed. This is particularly true in a time when traditional services are no longer the prime means of seeking the news and non-traditional unrestricted, and occasionally malevolent, messaging systems have proliferated within the cyber space. As a result, it is evident that the provision of clear, accurate and timely information is and will be critical. The great advantage of CSSC here is that official information is delivered direct to laptops and smart phones so that members can see quality information immediately.


As business strives to make change in a challenging environment and respond to new legislation such as Martyn’s Law in the countering terrorism arena, there is the important need to review security and safety procedures. In support of this, the provision of a rapid, stable and trusted messaging system will enable organisations, businesses (small and large) and individuals to plan and act properly, safely and securely.


Accordingly, CSSC East Midlands will continue to build our network across the region, while at the same time deepening our links within it, in order to ensure the rapid supply of clear authenticated regional information vital to our members. As part of this process, the CSSC EM Board will stage a Strategy event for our board members to review and revise our aims and objectives while also seeking to engage more closely with our members. Plainly, CSSC EM Board and membership working together have a busy year ahead.


Counte


A


s many of us continue to follow international developments, Counter Terrorism Policing are urging the public to support them, by reporting suspicious activity closer to home this winter. The Senior National


Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, Laurence Taylor, explains the current threat picture and the critical role businesses can play in combating the terrorist threat.


© CITY SECURITY MAGAZINE – SUMMER 2023 WINTER 2023


www.citysecuritymagazine.com


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