On the town centre streets of Ipswich Suffolk Police held a Vulnerability Impact Night (VIN) on Saturday, September 27 at the end of fresher’s week. The aim was to help ensure partygoers have a safe night out, while also raising awareness of the risks that result from being drunk.
The force’s Night-time Economy Team (NTE) specifically works with staff from the county’s towns’ bars, clubs and late-night food outlets, as well as town pastors, to enhance the quality of life for late-night revellers.
Sgt Joanne Towell was co-ordinating the VIN. She said beforehand: “As fresher’s week draws to a close we’re keen to make sure that new students don’t put themselves at risk as they celebrate the end of their first week. We will be on patrol around the town centre, on the look-out for people who are potentially vulnerable due to the amount they have consumed. We will be working with our partnership agencies to ensure that those vulnerable people are safe for the rest of the evening, whether that is by helping them sober up, making sure they get home safe, or organising medical treatment.”
A mobile police station was stationed in the town centre with volunteers on hand to provide bottles of water, blankets and first-aid. Police sought also to raise awareness of the risks associated with overindulging to help ensure that others don’t end up in the same situation.
Sgt Towell added: “One of the main aims of this VIN is to educate people on just how unsafe they can be when drunk. The more you drink, the more vulnerable you become and we really want to get this message across to all ages so that they have an enjoyable, but above all, a safe night. Through Bluetooth messages, social media, videos in licensed premises and alcohol information leaflets, we will be promoting the simple steps that people can take to help stay safe.”
Police were asking people to heed obvious, yet sensible advice such as having contingency plans on returning home if they get separated from friends; keeping drinks in sight; asking uniformed staff for directions rather than a stranger if lost; using licensed taxis; and walking through well-lit areas with friends rather than alone.
During the VIN, officers again wore body-cams to record behaviour and were looking to highlight a person’s vulnerability personally to them by showing them footage at a later date in the presence of a health worker.
