Issued by City of York Council
Following York’s second annual Crime Summit, Cllr James Alexander, Labour Leader of City of York Council, and Cllr Dafydd Williams, Cabinet Member for Crime and Stronger Communities joined the City Centre and East area of York Safer Neighbourhood Police Team on the beat for a seven hour night shift in York city centre.
The Crime Summit looked at the impact of alcohol on crime and anti-social behaviour in York, and the visit gave the councillors the chance to witness first-hand for themselves the police dealing with night time revellers. Friday 26 April saw councillors in a police car chase, observe an arrest for suspected drink driving and an arrest for suspected domestic violence.
Cllr James Alexander said: “With 10% of all A&E admissions and 20% of all ambulance journeys being alcohol related, it was important for me to experience first hand city centre policing on the front line to gain a better understanding of the effect of alcohol on crime and antisocial behaviour. I was dismayed at McDonalds requiring so much police attention and I will be raising this with them direct.”
Cllr Dafydd Williams said: “Going out with the police was a good opportunity for me to see for myself the importance of the work our police officers do every night supported by Safer York Partnership.
“At the Crime Summit I announced a consultation on a late night levy on licensed premises which could help put more money into front line policing at night and help make York an even safer city. I learned so much more can be done with police officers being better equipped.
“I recently approved Safer York Partnership funding for some body cameras for police officers to use for court evidence. All officers should have such equipment for increased prosecutions and personal safety. I will be raising this issue with the Police Commissioner and the new Chief Constable.”
York Safer Neighbourhood Commander, Superintendent Lisa Winward, said: “We were delighted to welcome Councillor Alexander and Councillor Williams to join our officers on patrol on Friday night. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that residents and visitors to York can enjoy the city centre in a safe and trouble-free atmosphere.
“Hopefully the councillors enjoyed their time on the frontline and it was a worthwhile experience which can benefit both City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police in the future.”
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