NCJ Number
82748
Journal
Police Review Volume: 90 Issue: 4651 Dated: (April 2, 1982) Pages: 632-635
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Organizational structure and activities of the Liverpool City Security Force (England) are described, with attention to the force's relationship to local police and its future.
Abstract
In 1972, Liverpool sought a new approach to the escalation problem of damage to corporate property, with particular emphasis on the protection of educational establishments. As a result, the Liverpool City Security Force was established. The force is organized on similar lines to the police, with the city divided into three territorial divisions, each with its own operational headquarters. Patrol officers perform a dual role on foot or mobile duty, depending on whether their task is static security in a park of visiting vulnerable premises. Patrols work five rotating shifts covering a 24-hour period for 5 days of the week, with emphasis on the evenings and weekends. Since the creation of the force, its cost effectiveness has been subject to question. Nevertheless, its workload and usefulness in terms of public order and protection are supported by the incident record. The force was designed to complement the local police force, and this goal has been achieved. It is anticipated that all local security officers will eventually be sworn in as special constables to provide them with needed authority. A national and international move towards a closer relationship between local police and security forces is projected for the future. The article provides two photographs.