My name is Chris Cooke

I have recently returned to the Community Safety Unit (CSU) as its Senior Community Safety Officer. I worked previously at the unit as an Officer, then Operations Coordinator.

I was afforded an opportunity in 2022 to second to Culture & Tourism, where I undertook the role of City Centre & Markets Manager. There, I was able to expand my professional network and learn new skills. That included management of the Southend General Market, coordination of services to improve the city centre and organising some of Southend’s busiest and most prestigious events. These ranged from, Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Sunday to the Halloween Parade, LuminoCity and City Jam.

A strength that I bring to the CSU is that I have the experience and good relationships to call upon colleagues or partners to solve problems. This is useful especially now that I am supervising a team that fields a wide range of issues.

This leads on to what I find to be the biggest challenge that the unit faces, and that I face personally; the team is a highly visible and approachable foot patrol at its core, and receives reports relating not only to crime and anti-social behaviour, but road safety, social care, environmental health, fly-tipping, parking, trading standards and more. Sometimes, the unit will receive a report of more than one type, or from several sources, and it is our job to pick out the relevant details and work out the most effective way we can help.

The most rewarding part of my role is just that; taking a predicament, cutting through any confusion and finding the most practical route to a solution. Similarly, I enjoy finding ways by which our processes can be streamlined and our resource management made more efficient.

My intention is to use my organisational experience to shape the Community Safety Unit’s operations, and that includes building into it the flexibility to adapt to changing demands, and see that Southend continues to be provided a quality service.

Transport Safety Officers

Since January, the introduction of Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) has enhanced safety on our city's train services. This pilot scheme, funded with £490,000 from the Department for Transport (DfT), is a collaboration between Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council, and Essex County Council.

TSOs work closely with train operators, police, and local partners to address antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls to promote passenger safety. Their primary focus on engagement and education has been well-received, contributing to a safer and more pleasant travel environment.

Recruited TSOs have undergone extensive training and vetting, equipping them to manage low-level nuisance and disorder incidents effectively. Their presence on designated routes and locations compliments the efforts of other safety personnel, creating a cohesive safety network.

This initiative aligns with broader government commitments to address anti-social behaviour. 

To report a crime or concern on the rail network, download the free Railway Guardian app or text British Transport Police on 61016.

Emergency Services Day

Members of our Emergency Services enjoyed meeting many of our residents at our First Emergency Services Day of the year.

We will be hosting two further dates over the summer holiday period so come along and meet members of the emergency services.

Wednesday 31st July and Wednesday 14th August 11am-2pm

Seizure of E Scooters

Members of the Community Safety Team joined Essex Police for a joint operation targeting E Scooters and E Bikes due to a rise in complaints. 

Operation Sierra targeted Southend High Street and resulted in the seizure of 6 E Scooters and 1 E Bike. Advice was provided and a zero tolerance shown. 

Community Payback

Community Safety joined together with partner agencies for a Community Payback Event in Warrior Square In April. Community Payback is work implemented to individuals by the courts.

The area was generally improved, and well attended by residents. We provided community safety advice, reassurance and giveaways to them. Residents provided positive feedback and noticed a real difference from the hard work carried out on the day.

This is something we hope to continue to support across the city.

Knife Angel Comes To Southend

Southend-on-Sea has been selected by the British Ironworks to host The Knife Angel during July to symbolise the devastating impact of violent crime.

The Knife Angel, The National Monument Against Violence and Aggression is a thought provoking 27-foot-high sculpture crafted from over 100,000 confiscated or surrendered weapons. The weapons include knives, inscribed with messages from impacted families or former offenders, confiscated by Police Forces across the country.

It has been created as an iconic symbol against violence and aggression, particularly knife crime in the UK, to educate young people on the harmful and long-lasting effects that violent behaviour can have on communities, families, and victims.

The Knife Angel has been touring the country as a poignant symbol of hope and social change. From Monday 1 July to Sunday 28 July, it will be located at the Victoria Circus end of the High Street, offering both residents and visitors a unique opportunity to witness the sculpture up close and the powerful message it sends. 

A free programme of learning opportunities is planned throughout July, aimed at preventing youth involvement in violence. The sessions will encourage parents, carers and residents of all ages to also learn more about the impacts of violence, the signs of exploitation and county lines, explore proactive solutions, and engage in meaningful dialogue.