Metal detectors outside bars, high-visibility police patrols and a joined-up CCTV network that sees suspects arrested within minutes are just some of the reasons why Nottingham has been officially declared one of the UK’s safest places for a night out.
Purple Flag is an international award which recognises excellence in the management of a safe town or city centre – and Nottingham has been awarded the status for a twelfth successive year
Run by the Association of Town and City Management in partnership with industry, licensees, retailers, and consumers, Purple Flag status has been awarded to Nottingham in recognition of the fantastic partnership work that goes on in the background to keep people safe.
Multiple organisations including Nottingham Business Improvement District, Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham City Council work all year round, developing and updating initiatives and schemes designed to ensure people enjoy a safe night out.
They include:
- Using metal detectors to catch criminals trying to take knives into venues;
- Police dog patrols as part of Operation Guardian patrols to tackle drug crime;
- High-visibility patrols on transport network to ensure people get home safe;
- Launch of a ‘Safe Space’ operated by first aid charity St John Ambulance to support those who need help or medical assistance on a night out;
- Specific training for staff working in the night-time economy on how to help keep revellers safe;
- Widespread CCTV network with a joined up approach that sees city council communicating with police to pinpoint suspects immediately;
- The use of both plain clothes and uniformed officers to tackle street offences such as retail crime, aggressive begging and anti-social behaviour.
