City centre to keep extra police officers

Dec 18 2007

LIVERPOOL’S Gold Zone police officers are set to stay on the beat for at least the next three years  thanks to a new deal with the city council.

Since 2000, the city council has paid Merseyside Police for 12 extra officers who are exclusively dedicated to patrolling the city centre.

The city council says it has been a huge success, with the level of reported crime in the area at a 10 year low and research showing that 98 percent of people questioned saying that it is a safe place to be.

Following a review of the present arrangements, a report to the city council’s Executive Board is recommending that a new rolling three year agreement is introduced which formalises matters for the future.

It will see an increase in the amount paid to Merseyside Police from £375k to £475k to reflect inflation and pay awards, and there will be annual uplifts in future years.

Councillor Mike Storey, executive member for regeneration and the city centre, said: “We were the first council in the country to decide to pay for extra police officers and it has been a tremendous success.

“The additional bobbies have had a massive impact on deterring and combating crime and anti social behaviour in the city centre and people tell us that they feel safe on the streets, whether they are in town to shop during the day or to socialise at night.”

Councillor Colin Eldridge, executive member for community safety, said: “Liverpool is now one of the safest city centres in the country which is great news - not just for local people but also for stores, bars and clubs who are dependent upon attracting people through their doors to stay in business.

“As we enter Capital of Culture year, it is vital that we have a continued police presence to provide reassurance to the millions of visitors who will be coming to our city to enjoy the celebrations in 2008. It is a great example of a successful partnership between the city council and Merseyside Police.”

Superintendent John Martin from Merseyside Police said: "Gold Zone officers have become an important part of the policing landscape in the city centre.

"The Gold Zone is an important part of Merseyside Police's Total Policing Strategy with officers playing a vital role in reassuring the people who live in and work in and visit our city.

"This is another example of effective partnership working between the police and local authority."

A formalised service level agreement will be implemented providing the report is agreed by the city council’s Executive Board at a meeting on Friday, December 21st.