We hit the streets with Merseyside's Chief Constable



Just before 10pm by the cenotaph in Southport's Lord Street last Friday and 20 police officers are briefed about their responsibilities for that night.

"Remember the three Fs – firm, friendly and fair," says Inspector Jim McLoughlin. "The message I want to send out to everyone is that you come to the town centre to enjoy yourself and that means to be orderly.

I won't tolerate any drunken or aggressive behaviour whatsoever, because in my opinion it will end in arrest. The person who chooses to

be aggressive is the person who will commit an assault shortly afterwards or be the victim of an assault." 

Insp McLoughlin also urges his officers to crack down on people urinating in public and damaging shop windows and street furniture (benches, plants etc.).

The police briefings are held in public every Friday and Saturday (the busiest nights of the week) to try and reassure revellers and residents they are safe to go out at night in the town centre.

However, tonight is different. The Chief Constable of Merseyside, Bernard Hogan-Howe, is present – the first time for at least 10 years any holder of this top post has walked the streets of the resort late at night.

"I said at a public meeting a few weeks ago I would come and see what happens for myself and I am keeping my promise," he tells me.

There seems to be a lot more police on duty – is that because you're here, I ask.

"Well, people may say that," he smiles, "but on the busy nights we have about 20-odd officers on the streets to reassure the public."

He reveals there are on average seven violent incidents in the town centre a month.

So should people feel safe coming into Southport late at night?

"I would and I do. There may be 20-odd officers here for the briefing but when I set off shortly on foot patrol I will be on my own or with an inspector. So if anyone wants to try it they will have a chance. But

I suspect they won't. People should feel safe but I can't force them to feel that. Violent crime has actually reduced by a third on Merseyside

and that includes Southport.

"Of all the areas we cover, Southport is the safest. It is a good resort, it is a good place to visit. I accept people's perceptions, but I would bring my family here at night. I don't think there is anything

in particular to worry about.

"No one is saying there is never a fight or never any trouble. What we are saying is we are working hard to reduce crime and we have had great success in doing that. I think the local inspector has done a great

job. He has rearranged his staff, put them on different  shifts and brought in the specials to help. By smartly using his resources he has more people in at the right time."

After our interview, I suggest the chief constable sees the heart of clubland and we walk from Nevill Street into West Street. We meet band promoter Kris Wood outside the Underground club where he has organised

a live gig with his Cutout Productions colleagues.

"I think the town centre  has got a lot better recently," Kris tells the chief constable. "There is a much higher police presence which is

always good. The only thing is that the clubs are located in quite dark areas which can be a problem."

Mr Hogan-Howe was clearly delighted with the response: "It was reassuring to hear what Kris had to say."

Because of unavoidable prior commitments the next day, the chief constable had to leave at midnight. But he did promise to return and stay longer in the  future.

After he left, I went into the Underground to see the live bands. Two hours later, I went outside for a breather and spotted Councillors Brenda Porter and Barry Griffiths. They have been pressing for more police at night. I persuaded them to come into the club to talk to the young live music fans.

Before they left, Cllr Porter told me: "The youngsters we talked to said they would like to see more police because it makes them feel safer and we have an obligation to them."

She also raised the issue of the actual numbers on duty: "I was told there were only 12 officers in the town centre who finish at 3am. After then there are only eight who have to cover a much wider area, not just clubland. We check on the situation on a regular basis and it is buzzing between 3am and 4am. Twelve is not enough on the busy nights. If you give licences till 4am or 5am you must have appropriate

policing."

However, they both said they were pleased the chief constable came to see the situation for himself.

My evening ended at 2.30am and as I told my taxi driver about my night he said:. "Tell the chief constable we need police on the streets from

midnight until at least 6am, that's when the trouble is."

By Martin Hovden

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