This evening, I had the pleasure of joining the Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke, at Operation Reframe in Bishopsgate.
This Operation is a multi-agency partnership to facilitate the night-time economy (NTE) by providing a high visibility presence, with the goal of making people feel safe in the City of London and having clear pathways to safety and refuge should it be needed.
In practice, what this means is a welfare zone is set up between Liverpool Street Station and Eataly on Bishopsgate.
The City of London Police, British Transport Police, City of London Corporation Licensing team, the Samaritans, St John Ambulance and the Eastern City Business Improvement District come together and offer support and reassurance to members of the public who may feel particularly vulnerable over the Christmas season.
Within Operation Reframe, a few examples of the tasks running concurrently:
- Testing the effectiveness of the ‘ASK FOR ANGELA’ safety initiative in licensed premises which have already been trained, by using undercover licensing officers to approach bar staff and Ask for Angela, informing a staff member of their need and allowing them to access discreet help.
- With the help of Police Dog Elvis, passengers seeking to exit Liverpool Street Station have to pass through a checkpoint for illegal substances, with searches carried out on individuals which PD Elvis raises suspicion around.
- To reduce preventable injury linked in alcohol and drugs, the Samaritans offer a safe space for people to sober up, with snacks, water and mobile phone chargers. They can contact family members to arrange collection or are safely escorted to the Taxi Marshalls at Liverpool Street’s taxi rank to ensure they get home safely.
- Use specially trained undercover police officers to identify predatory behaviour and intervene.
- The City of London Corporation and Police have real-time control of street lighting which enables them to illuminate lights more brightly in areas of concern for anti-social or criminal behaviour.
- Targeted engagement with licensed premises by inspecting licensed premises to check safety and security such as active CCTV, clear fire escapes and security staff credentials.
Whilst I was out, I watched on as undercover teams ‘asked for Angela’ in pubs and were brilliantly and discretely offered help and safety. I spoke to a homeless man who needed access to basic medical treatment for a burn to his hands. I also saw several people arrested for carrying illegal substances.
This City is at its best when everyone collaborates to have the greatest impact. This operation therefore offers a visible reminder to any would be criminals that this is not the place for you. These guys are smart and one step ahead of you.
I do speak to people from time to time about their fears. Whether that’s someone who’s had a few too many drinks after work, someone who is working late and has to walk to the station or the taxi rank or people who have to fend off unwanted advanced. The collective activity from this Operation has created an environment where most people will only be a few meters away from a trained professional who can help if you feel unsafe.
My thanks to all of the agencies who make Operation Reframe such a success for people that live, work and visit Bishopsgate.
