Community Wardens – Making People Feel Safer

What are Community Wardens? The answer depends on who you ask. Some see them as ‘cut-price police’, others as an example of government crime policy on the cheap. They’ve even been seen as a sort of overgrown park keeper.

All wrong says Chichester District Council's Andy Pilley. Responsible for managing Wardens in Chichester, Selsey, Tangmere and Bracklesham he’s convinced of their merit but also clear about what such schemes can and can't provide for their communities

“I’d say they are a visible patrolling presence, familiar faces,'' he explained in answer to the obvious question. ''They provide something missing in communities that is different from a police presence - somebody that people can trust and have confidence in - working in areas small enough for them to get to know. Sometimes they're called ‘community champions’ and I wouldn't argue with that.''

For Andy this notion of real local involvement is vital:  "They’re there in their communities when needed. For instance they might be around on the ‘walk to school’ routes, as well as in schools working with pupils in lessons. They'll know about vulnerable local people and keep a lookout for them. Help with running local events might also be part of the role. It will vary from place to place.”

Has he an ideal kind of person in mind?  ''Yes. People with good social skills and the willingness to get involved in the community. Not somebody who really wants to join the police.  It’s not just about visibility jackets and being seen. The work ranges from building Father Christmas’ Grotto for the nursery to going into situations where a confrontation is taking place.''

Do they need to be local?  ''No in fact that could cause obvious problems. The important thing is that they are based in and stay in the communities they work for long-term assignments. Otherwise they lose their impact and usefulness.''

"That's vital because they can be advocates for the community as well. They bring information about lack of facilities and evidence that may lead to projects to help the communities. Identifying problems isn't the only job they do, they will feed into policy making, a huge source of information which can be used well if targeted properly. ''

So the 64,000 dollar question. Do they work? "Oh yes. It’s had a huge impact on quality of life in the parts of Chichester District already served – that’s why other places like Midhurst are keen to see the scheme extended.”

Andy’s clear the benefits ripple more widely across the community pool especially in saving money that can be spent elsewhere. Analysis shows that Wardens actually pay for themselves over time through savings on cleaning up graffiti and repairing vandalism.

Of course it's not what everybody wants or thinks is needed. Community wardens are not bringing back the bobby on his bike; they have no power of arrest though they are trained evidence gatherers. No Community wardens are something rather different   a man or woman on a bike with a mobile phone and visible uniform who can make them and the local area feel a lot more secure. GO BACK>>