Often in public sector schemes to manage taxi ranks, contract security staff are used. However Northumbria Police officers are used at Newcastle taxi queues.
In the run up to Christmas, officers in Newcastle Area Command were based at the city’s busiest taxi ranks during peak periods to reassure the public and nip any problems in the bud. Funded by SafeNewcastle, the scheme saw some 44,000 revellers pass through the taxi queues at the Bigg Market, The Gate and Central Station between the end of October and New Year’s Eve. There were a mere 38 arrests, all for what police term more minor offences such as drunkenness and urinating in the street. The initiative formed part of Chief Constable Mike Craik’s pledge of total policing to tackle crime and disorder at all levels, which is supported by Northumbria Police Authority.
