In the City of London, today is Hi! Visibility day. It’s the latest work between police and private security in the Square Mile. As organisers say, security remains a priority, as lockdown restrictions ease, and while The City may have been quieter than usual during the pandemic, officers and staff have been there behind the scenes to ensure they are ready to safely welcome visitors, workers and residents back.
Events over the day are due to include bike marking, liaison with City schools, homelessness hubs and joint working with Street Pastors. In the evening, officers from City of London Police’s licensing team will be engaging with licensed premises and those further enjoying the lifting of restrictions, alongside special constables who will be patrolling bridges and crowded spaces.
Project Servator, a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public, will also be in evidence. Those taking part on the private security side are members of the City Security Council. An estimated 400 security people are taking part on the day. It’s the latest development in the City Security Council, which was featured in the February print edition of Professional Security magazine.
City of London Police Chief Inspector Christopher Hay said: “As lockdown restrictions ease, it is understandable that people will want to regain a semblance of normality. Whether this is through returning to the office, going shopping, engaging in leisure activities or meeting friends at one of the City’s many hospitality venues, it is important to remain vigilant, so as not to fall foul of criminals.
“Over the last month, as we have all been able to get out and about and do more with our free time, City of London Police has seen a spike in instances of opportunistic thefts of items such as phones and bikes. The threat of terrorism in the UK is also still assessed as ‘substantial’, meaning that an attack is likely, but working together is the best way to combat this.
“Today, teams of officers from across our force will be taking to the streets to speak to residents, workers and visitors about the best ways to protect themselves, and their loved ones, whilst enjoying all that the City has to offer. Policing tactics are most effective when we work in partnership with our communities, so please come and speak to us to find out how we can all work together to keep our City safe.”
And Neill Catton, pictured, Chairman of the City Security Council said: “Today the private security industry will be showcasing the incredible men and women working in collaboration with police to keep the City of London safe and secure.
“The Hi! Visibility day is intended to shine a light on those individuals who make the public’s safety a priority every day, provide further insight into what security means within the Square Mile, and encourage collaboration so that everyone is able to do their part.
“Hundreds of security officers and managers across the capital will be on hand to provide information and reassurance. If you are in the City, come and say Hi!, and for those still to return, rest assured that a warm and safe welcome awaits.”
About the City Security Council
The City Security Council (CSC) was originally set up by contract guarding companies in the City of London but is now open to SIA ACS accredited security companies. Visit https://citysecuritycouncil.co.uk/contact/. Last year members took part in a (pre-pandemic) training exercise with the emergency services; and ran similar hi-visibility patrolling with police.
