Videos developed by the Metropolitan Police for those working in the night time economy were launched yesterday at a central London event.
Four films were commissioned by the Met’s Licensing Governance and Partnership Hub to provide training and awareness for pubs and clubs about how to recognise vulnerabilities in their surroundings and what they can do to safeguard those who visit their venues. The hope is that eventually the videos will be rolled out nationally.
Having already been delivered to some businesses and associations in the city, a wider launch to business was at The Hippodrome in Leicester Square, with the London-based business crime partnership hub Safer Business Network. Those attending included designated premises supervisors, security managers, night-time economy managers, health and safety specialists and others in community safety.
The videos feature scenarios that could play out during a night out. A second version highlights a number of occasions where the intervention of staff could have prevented situations from escalating. The films have been created in with the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command and Business Crime Hub; and have already been delivered to staff at LGBT venues across London during an event at Heaven nightclub late last year.
The day featured panels, presentations and speeches with input from:
= Met Police Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt;
= Dame Vera Baird QC, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner;
= Night Csar, Amy Lamé;
= Commander Richard Smith, Met Safeguarding lead;
= Drinkaware;
= Yvonne Traynor, Rape Crisis; and
= Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command.
Supt Tania Coulson, head of Licensing for the Met, said: “London has a vibrant and thriving night time economy which is rightly world-renowned; and we want to ensure that everyone can enjoy their night out in the Capital in a safe environment. Whilst this is usually the case; we do know from experience that night time venues can sometimes be locations where incidents can start and progress. So often, by the time police become involved in a situation it is sadly because an offence has already taken place. This training is about empowering those working in the night time economy to intervene in scenarios which could otherwise escalate. As the eyes and ears at these venues, the positive actions of staff could prove invaluable and help bring about a reduction in crime. Ultimately, this is about working together to keep the public safe.”
Stuart Turner, owner of Heaven nightclub – which received the video training in recent months – said: “We have started to incorporate the learning from the video as the foundation for staff training at Heaven. The content isn’t overly complicated or onerous, with a well thought out design which is easy to deliver. Our message to staff is simple: ‘How would you want your loved ones looked after on a night out? Follow this training and you won’t go far wrong’.”
Hannah Wadey, Chief Executive Officer of Safer Business Network, said: “We are excited to be jointly holding this event with the Metropolitan Police Service. It is crucial that the licensed industry work with the police and other partners to provide a safe and more enjoyable night-time economy sector in London. We will be promoting the film to all of our members. The videos address vulnerability, violence and sexual offences which are problems that can only be solved through a collaborative prevention approach.”
Amy Lamé, the Mayor of London’s Night Czar, said: “A night out is only a good one if it is a safe night out. That’s why I’m pleased to support the launch of these new films that will help to ensure London remains one of the safest cities at night. It’s another great example of how the police, boroughs and businesses are working together to make London a great global 24-hour city.”
