Security - Fylde Borough Councilwww.jigsaw-training.co.uk

Case Study - Fylde Borough Council

Tremendous trio have new powers to prevent crime.

Dog fouling and littering may seem like small issues but they can add up to one big headache for some Fylde communities. But now there’s a new trio of Council officers who can act and do something about them.

For three of Fylde Borough Council’s officers have been accredited to take direct action against those who break the law on certain localised issues. As the Council’s Beach Patrol officer, Dog Warden and Play Inspector respectively, Paul McWilliams, Shaun Elliott and Lee McCarthy have the sort of jobs that see them out and about around the streets of Fylde almost every day.

Previously, however, they would have to report any issues they spotted to the local police, but thanks to their new City and Guilds Certificate in Community Safety they are now officially allowed to act and issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £75 for littering and £50 for dog fouling.

Preston-based Jigsaw delivered the training and Jeff Baines from the firm said: “Achieving this qualification is no mean feat; there are two tough exams with a lot of content to learn. They covered all sorts of knowledge in the exams as well as practical-application of enforcing the laws, including conflict management when issuing fines and advice.” “All three staff have worked really hard and are clearly passionate about their jobs.”

Paul McWilliams, the Council’s Beach Patrol officer added: “It’s frustrating when you’re out doing your job and you see an incident but can’t act so it’s great that we now have the power to take direct action rather than only being able to report incidents such as dog fouling to the police and wait for a response.”

“Effectively this is three extra Council workers who are out and about in Fylde’s communities as part of their jobs and who are now authorised to take speedier action against people who break the law and ultimately keep our communities safer and cleaner.”

Bryan Ward, Community Safety Manager for Fylde, said: ” I am very pleased that all three members of staff volunteered to undergo the structured and nationally recognised training required to become Police Accredited Officers.

“It is encouraging also to know that we have further volunteers prepared to be trained and join Paul, Lee and Shauna in contributing to community safety.”