New enforcement officers to be recruited for city

New community safety enforcement officers are being recruited to help ensure Wolverhampton city centre "remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place".

The officers would carry out patrols, issue civil warnings where appropriate and "help ensure those who need support are directed to the appropriate services".

The new officers would support enforcing the city centre's PSPOs, "providing a visible presence and working closely with businesses, residents and partners to address anti-social behaviour".

The city council said Public Spaces Protection Orders [PSPOs], a legal aid given to councils to stop persistent anti-social behaviour, had given it more powers to tackle the problem.

The council said the city centre attracts thousands of people every week and the authority and its partners were "committed to tackling the small number of individuals who cause issues".

They would work with Wolverhampton Business Improvement District, West Midlands Police, British Transport Police, the Safer Travel team, businesses and residents to respond quickly to concerns and target hotspot locations.

They would help to tackle problems before they escalate, the council said.

Cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community Obaida Ahmed said: "The appointment of dedicated Community Safety Enforcement officers will strengthen that approach even further.

"Their role will not only be to take enforcement action where needed, but also to engage with people, provide reassurance to the public and help ensure those who need support are directed to the appropriate services."

A new city centre PSPO was introduced in June, following "strong public support during consultation", the council said.

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