This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Community Safety & Enforcement Warden service
Anti-Social Behaviour Deterrent
District Enforcement, the UK’s leading provider of Outsourced Frontline Enforcement, is successfully partnering with local authorities across England and Wales to provide community safety and enforcement wardens, who enhance local safety by acting as a vital connection between communities and the police.Our service comprises two independent warden teams – Community Safety and Enforcement – each with distinct uniforms, who help maintain public order and reduce Anti-Social Behaviour by combining visible community engagement with enforcement, similar to the traditional “bobby on the beat”.
Our wardens ease pressure on local police and PCSOs by reducing response demands and lowering operational costs. Enforcement wardens can also generate revenue for local authorities through Fixed Penalty Notices, all while contributing to a safer community.
Case Study
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s Community Safety Warden Initiative (June 2024)
In June 2024, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, in partnership with Gwent Police, launched a Community Safety Warden initiative aimed at tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and increasing community safety. The service includes three full-time community safety wardens and two additional wardens to provide support as needed.
Objectives
Whether the focus is on community engagement or enforcement or a blend of the two, our Community Safety and Enforcement Wardens service supports the following objectives:
Strengthen Community-Police Relations
By having a visible, approachable presence in the community, wardens will build trust and encourage collaboration between residents, stakeholders and law enforcement.
Reduce Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
Through proactive engagement and real-time communication with the police, wardens will help to deter criminal activities and swiftly address low-level ASB.
Enhance Public Perception of Safety
The physical presence of wardens in key areas, such as shopping districts and event venues, will improve the public’s sense of security.
Support Local Businesses
By ensuring a safer environment, wardens will help local businesses by freeing them up to focus on growing trade, as shop owners and managers will feel more secure and supported.
Scope
Deployment of Wardens
Community safety and enforcement wardens are deployed separately in key areas such as shopping districts, parks, and ASB hotspots. While their main focus is community engagement, wardens can either request enforcement support or have the authority to enforce laws directly when dealing with specific criminal offences.
Collaboration with Police and other Stakeholders
Community safety wardens will actively participate in local task force meetings, collaborating closely with police, stakeholder representatives, and enforcement officers to effectively address community safety concerns.
Use of Technology
All wardens are equipped with body cameras to record incidents, sharing the footage with local police in real-time. This allows for quick responses to developing situations.
Value for Money
Police Support
Both community safety and enforcement wardens serve as the eyes and ears of police officers within the community, offering valuable information and on-the-spot support when needed. This allows the police to concentrate their attention and resources on more serious crimes.
Reduced 101 Calls
An introduction of community safety wardens has reduced 101 calls by up to 40%, indicating a significant impact on local safety and satisfaction, and easing the demand on call-handling and process resources.*
Targeted Enforcement
Enforcement wardens issuing injunctions against persistent ASB offenders demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted enforcement in preventing the escalation of their behaviour.*
Improved Sense of Safety
Both residents and local business owners report feeling safer and more connected to law enforcement, thanks to the regular presence and approachability of our wardens.*
Fixed Penalty Notice Income
As part of their duties, enforcement wardens can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for minor legal infractions, including littering, public dog offences, and anti-social behaviour. Penalties collected can serve as additional income if applicable to the specific contract scope.
End-to-End Service
Our frontline wardens are supported by a professional admin, compliance, legal, and management team, ensuring that each local authority can rely on a fully outsourced and accountable service, reducing the impact on already stretched departments.
High Job Satisfaction Among Wardens
Our community safety and enforcement wardens report high job satisfaction from positive community feedback and seeing the impact of their work. This strengthens their long-term engagement with the community, reinforcing their visible “Bobby on the Beat” presence.
*The positive outcomes already observed in Blaenau Gwent provide a compelling case for other local authorities.
Case Study – Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council
Financial Considerations
Initial Investment and Ongoing Costs
Both services require funding for initial recruitment, training, and equipment, including body cameras and communication tools. Ongoing salaries, equipment maintenance, and operational expenses will also need to be considered when applying for funding.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
The reduction in police emergency calls and ASB incidents is expected to offset both warden service costs by decreasing the demand for police resources and reducing the economic impact of crime on local businesses.
Risks and Mitigation
Community Resistance
Some residents may initially feel uneasy about our wardens’ presence. To address this, community outreach efforts will be made in partnership with trusted local stakeholders to explain the roles of community and enforcement wardens and build trust, aiming to establish a balance of engagement and Policing-by-Consent.
Resource Allocation
Effective deployment of community safety and/or enforcement wardens in high-need areas is essential. Regular assessments and adjustments to deployment strategies will ensure this. High job satisfaction and retention will help maintain a consistent and reliable presence.
Summary
Summary
The implementation of community safety and enforcement wardens represents a strategic investment in public safety and community well-being. By combining engagement with enforcement, these combined services foster safer, more resilient communities, reduce the burden on local police forces, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and businesses.
Available Funding
We offer two funding options for our Community Safety and Enforcement Warden services, and our team is ready to assist with the application process to ensure a smooth and compliant experience.
Option 1:
Safer Streets Fund – Round 5
The Safer Streets Fund, which has been in place since 2020, is scheduled to end in March 2025. The new government has not yet confirmed whether this fund will be renewed. Round Five of the fund has allocated over £34 million to address neighbourhood crime, including violence against women and girls (VAWG), and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) have successfully secured funding for various initiatives proven to prevent neighbourhood crime and ASB. These include outreach activities, educational programs aimed at changing attitudes and behaviours, and public campaigns to encourage ASB reporting. Further details are available here.
Option 2:
PCC Specialist Projects Fund
Alongside the Safer Streets Fund, PCCs also provide funding for Local Authority Specialist Projects through quarterly or annual bidding windows. Each application is reviewed based on specific criteria and needs.
Our team can provide you with examples of successful Specialist Project applications to assist you with your application if required. Contact us on 01785 336 780 to learn more.
Case Study
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s Community Safety Warden Initiative (June 2024)
In June 2024, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, in partnership with Gwent Police, launched a Community Safety Warden initiative aimed at tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and increasing community safety. The service includes three full-time community safety wardens and two additional wardens to provide support as needed.
Service Packages
Community Safety Warden Service
The role of a Community Safety Warden is to enhance local safety by acting as a visible presence in key areas, engaging with the community to address concerns and reduce anti-social behaviour. They support local police efforts, help maintain public order, and promote Policing-by-Consent, while also being equipped to enforce certain regulations or call for additional enforcement when needed.
Enforcement Warden Service
The role of an Enforcement Warden is to maintain public order by enforcing local laws and regulations, such as issuing Fixed Penalty Notices for offences like littering or anti-social behaviour. They support police and local authorities, ensuring compliance with rules, reducing the burden on police resources, and contributing to a safer community through visible enforcement actions.
Combined Warden Service
Community Safety and Enforcement Wardens work together to maintain public order and enhance local safety. They combine community engagement with law enforcement, addressing anti-social behaviour and fostering trust through Policing-by-Consent. While focusing on community interaction, they are also equipped to enforce regulations, support police, and contribute to a safer environment by both promoting positive behaviour and addressing violations.
Contact
Dilber Thind
National Manager, Environmental Crime Division
District Enforcement