Police 'do not endorse' volunteer patrol group

Police officers have been patrolling Bournemouth, where a volunteer "force" has also taken to the streets

A police and crime commissioner (PCC) has said a group of volunteers patrolling Bournemouth at night is not endorsed by the police.

Safeguard Force describes itself as a voluntary community service set up to keep streets safe and "protect the most vulnerable".

But Dorset PCC David Sidwick told the BBC: "I have had no contact with them. I have concerns about vetting, I have concerns about training, I have concerns about their administration."

The group said it remained "committed to collaboration" with police and was working to resolve the issues.

The decision not to endorse the group follows a multi-agency meeting on Friday.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: "We have engaged with the group extensively and a review of their vetting processes has highlighted areas of significant concern.

"The organisers have been unable to provide reassurance that this group has sufficient safeguards in place to ensure volunteers are adequately vetted, trained, and equipped to undertake high-visibility patrols in the community."

He said there were "insufficient details in relation to the use of body-worn cameras, publishing of photographs of members of the public, administration and recording of any force used or first aid provided, and limited evidence of any training provided".

He added: "We welcome the responsible use of volunteers, who wish to carry out public service and there are many ways in which this can be facilitated in a safe way, including becoming a Special Constable, joining the street pastor programme, or via established Watch schemes."

Safeguard Force claimed it was asked to attend the meeting "at very short notice, with no agenda provided".

It said the concerns raised were "primarily related to wording in documentation" and it was taking "immediate action" to resolve them.

"We remain committed to collaboration and are fully prepared for our next meeting as requested," it added.

The force said it had been carrying out its own high-visibility patrols in Bournemouth, with 289 foot patrols taking place in the past seven days, including the town centre, gardens and seafront, leading to arrests, dispersal notices, stop searches and anti-social behaviour incidents tackled.