Councillors have delayed a decision on five community safety officers for Bournemouth town centre while they review crime analysis, an operational plan and a detailed breakdown before voting. A decision on extra patrol officers for Bournemouth town centre has been paused for more evidence. Bournemouth Town Council had been asked to support the recruitment of five community safety officers, who would patrol under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme and provide a visible uniformed presence in the town centre. Councillors welcomed the idea in principle, but agreed what was described as a
A decision on extra patrol officers for Bournemouth town centre has been paused for more evidence.
Bournemouth Town Council had been asked to support the recruitment of five community safety officers, who would patrol under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme and provide a visible uniformed presence in the town centre.
Councillors welcomed the idea in principle, but agreed what was described as a “constructive pause” after saying they needed crime pattern analysis, an operational plan and a detailed breakdown before deciding.
The officers would be trained staff with limited enforcement powers, able to deal with issues including aggressive begging, dangerous electric bike and scooter riding, loutish behaviour and shoplifting through the scheme.
Councillor Mark Harper said the pause would support better decision making, adding that councillors needed confidence that public money was being spent wisely on behalf of local residents and businesses.
Councillor Jeff Hanna said the proposal had been circulated in July, argued that further reports would delay action, and added, “It does not take statistical reports”, because residents were concerned about crime and antisocial behaviour in the town centre.
