Marshals were used for the first time to patrol the main taxi ranks in Aberdeen over the festive season to prevent trouble breaking out in queues and to protect drivers from abuse.
Licensed pub and club stewards were recruited by the Aberdeen City Centre Partnership and Aberdeen City Council to stop violence erupting because of queue jumping at the city centre’s four busiest ranks. Councillor Martin Greig is chairman of the Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership, a group involving the city council, Grampian Police, NHS Grampian, Grampian Fire Brigade and other agencies and community representatives. Mr Greig, who is also vice-convener of Grampian Police board, said: "It is vital that people get home safely after a night out in town. There are major concerns for safety when individuals feel they have to walk home because of difficulties in getting transport."
Glasgow City Council reports it has launched a range of services to help tackle antisocial behaviour and improve the lives of every citizen.
The services are the city’s response to new powers introduced in October under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004.
The new legislation allows the council and its partners Strathclyde Police, Registered Social Landlords including the Glasgow Housing Association, Glasgow Alliance and other agencies, to develop what they call a strategic approach in tackling antisocial behaviour issues across the city. Funding from the Scottish Executive will help improve the Council’s ability to respond to the needs of individuals and communities faced with antisocial elements within their neighbourhoods.
What they say
Councillor Jim Coleman, the Depute Leader of the Council said: “Antisocial behaviour has for too long been a scourge which blights some of our communities. We are confident that the introduction of these new services and the strategic approach developed with our partners will offer some respite to those affected by this kind of abuse. We want to prevent problems from escalating through mediation and other preventative measures. However, persistent and significant antisocial behaviour must not be tolerated and we will work with our partners to address that.”
Services launched include the new Community Relations Unit, which Glasgow residents can contact through a dedicated helpline. Any incidents of antisocial behaviour will be logged and checked by investigators. Until now, only tenants of social landlords have had access to a service responsible for investigating complaints relating to neighbour nuisance or antisocial behaviour. The CRU extends this service to owner-occupiers and to tenants of private landlords.
The CRU works with Glasgow Housing Association’s Neighbourhood Relations team and other Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and police. A new Mediation Service will also provide a means to resolving disputes at an early stage and, as such, preventing escalation into antisocial behaviour. The service is free to all residents of Glasgow and operates in an impartial and confidential manner to resolve neighbour disputes, including issues around the use of communal spaces, and resolving conflicts where possible.
PCSOs
More than 40 new Community Safety Patrol Officers (CSPOs) have been out and about on the streets of Glasgow since September. As the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community, CSPOs have been getting to know the people and the problems many areas face and have already reported over 1500 incidences from graffiti and gang nuisance to fly tipping and faulty street lighting. CSPOs have been carrying out uniformed patrols in ten areas within the city – Scotstoun, Drumry, Summerhill, Barlanark, Springburn, Shettleston, Tollcross Park, Govan, North Cardonald and Pollok.
As well as providing an official, visible and accessible presence in their communities, they also report incidents of fly- tipping, graffiti and abandoned vehicles as well as property damage, road repairs and neighbour disputes. All CSPOs are taught first aid; conflict resolution; victim support; drugs awareness; community relations and mediation; family protection issues; crime scene preservation and youth issues, as well as other interrelated topics, during three weeks intensive training.
Councillor Jim Coleman, deputy leader of the City Council said: “This is the latest innovation by the council to try and address community concerns about anti-social behaviour, crime and the fear of crime. I am confident it will be a resounding success and help the local communities thrive.”
Glasgow’s scheme is the largest in Scotland with 40 officers and six supervisors reporting to a manager. Former police sergeant, Stevie Miller, Manager of the scheme said: "The enthusiasm and dedication shown by all the CSPOs is very encouraging and I know they are all fully committed to their new role."
