Street Safe Team to tackle anti-social behaviour

Ten council officers will patrol Rotherham and other borough town centres to tackle anti-social behaviour

A team of dedicated officers is to patrol Rotherham town centre and the surrounding towns of Maltby, Dinnington, Wath and Swinton, as part of a council scheme to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is set to launch the high-visibility Street Safe Team to provide a reassuring presence in public spaces across the borough.

The initiative will cost £570,000 to run annually, and is expected to be approved by the council cabinet next month.

Ten newly-recruited front line officers will be on hand to enforce regulations on littering, anti-social behaviour and street-drinking, as well as providing visitor information and community support, it is reported.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service says the uniformed officers will work alongside management staff, as part of the council's community protection and environmental health service.

They will patrol high-footfall areas and hotspots, and work closely with South Yorkshire Police and other council departments.

A report, due to be considered by the council's cabinet on 9 June, states the aim of the scheme is to enhance community safety and act as the "eyes and ears of the council."

The team is expected to be operational by 1 September, following recruitment, training and a seven-week induction programme.

Officers will be trained in enforcement, conflict resolution, trauma awareness, cultural competency, and safeguarding.

As part of the initiative, the council has committed to recruiting a diverse team and equipping officers to work with vulnerable individuals, including children and adults at risk.

The role of the new Street Safe Team will be promoted among residents, as part of a communications plan to improve public perception of safety in the town centre, an issue repeatedly raised in public consultations.

A full update on the team's performance will be relayed to the cabinet in March 2026, six months after the initiative is set to go live.

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