Eastbourne is stepping up its efforts to ensure public safety during night-time activities with the introduction of a new team of Night Safety Marshals. Starting, Friday, January 26, these marshals will be a visible force in the town centre, focusing on quick responses to emerging issues and providing additional support to ensure a safe night out for everyone.
This initiative is a collaboration between Sussex Police, local partners, and the Brighton-based Pagoda Security. The marshals have undergone rigorous training, specializing in identifying and aiding vulnerable individuals. Their role is to complement the extensive safety measures already implemented by Sussex Police and other agencies.
The introduction of the Night Safety Marshals in Eastbourne follows their successful implementation in Brighton and Crawley. The expansion of this program has been made possible through funding secured by the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, via the Safer Streets Fund. This fund is dedicated to addressing neighborhood crime, violence against women and girls, and anti-social behavior.
The marshals will be on duty from 8pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday nights, patrolling key areas of Eastbourne town centre. They will work closely with the police, Street Pastors, Security Industry Authority (SIA) door staff at licensed venues, and members of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).
Equipped with advanced training in handling vulnerable situations, the marshals can swiftly identify and respond to those in need, directing them to appropriate support services or escalating issues to the police when necessary. Additionally, they will maintain direct radio communication with the police, ensuring any incidents are promptly reported.
Inspector Sarah Taylor, of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Protecting our community from violence and crime, particularly during the night-time economy, is a key priority for police. Everybody has the right to enjoy a night out and Eastbourne is, and will continue to be, a safe place to do this.
“We already have a range of measures in place to support this work, including dedicated cars and targeted patrols under our Project WAVE (Wellbeing and Vulnerability Engagement) initiative, and close partnership working with licensed premises to promote other safety schemes such as Ask for Angela.
“The Night Safety Marshals are a very welcome addition to our town centre and will further support our work to protect vulnerable people and catch offenders.”
