Overview
- Dorset Police declined to endorse Safeguard Force following a multi-agency meeting with emergency services and local authorities, citing insufficient policies on vetting, training and safeguarding
- Safeguard Force says it has over 200 volunteers committed to visible, compassionate street patrols and intends to support and reassure residents alongside the police
- A review found the group’s protocols lacked detail on body-worn camera use, public image publication, recording of force or first aid and evidence of volunteer training
- Dorset Police reported 289 foot patrols in the past seven days, nearly 1,200 public engagements, 131 business visits and arrests and dispersals during ongoing operations in Bournemouth
- Critics including Labour MP Jessica Toale and Stand Up To Racism warned that unregulated uniformed patrols risk confusion, abuse of power and targeting of minority and refugee communities