We asked:
What issues concerned you most in your area
You said:
At the PACT mmeting in September 2009 you told us that although the vast majority of students are well behaved, there is possibility for a small minority to spoil students' reputation with noise, littering and drunken behaviour.
At the PACT meeting in October 2009 you told us that you still had concerns about the impact of returning students. You were particularly concerned with large events in the city centre and the anti-social behaviour and disruption associated with them. It was decided in light of further planned events this issue should be kept on for the next month.
Date of priority:
15 Sep 2009
We did:
- We planned an operation to deal with the students' return, with extra Police officers and PCSOs on duty, meeting and greeting students to advise them about their behaviour.
- This message was reinforced through the student unions.
- We worked closely with organisers of several large pub crawl events to make sure they wereproperly marshalled and caused as little disruption as possible.
- Information has been distributed to students regarding the alcohol exclusion zone.
- Information has also been distributed to students about 'green routes', which are designated safe routes to walk into and out of the city centre on main roads.
Update 25th September:
- Four arrests were made due to drunken and disorderly behaviour during freshers week.
- 198 cans and bottles were confiscated within the alcohol exclusion zone from students, and fines have been issued when people have not handed the alcohol over.
- We searched five individuals in relation to incidents.
- We have put posters up in off-licences to show where the alcohol exclusion zone covers.
- Officers from the safer neighbourhood team have spoken with 394 students in Barkers Pool, offering them safety advice.
- A 'meet and greet' scheme has taken place where 256 students have completed surveys.
- PCSOs have attended Sheffield Hallam University to offer advice about drinking sensibly, getting home safe and protecting themselves from crime.
Update 29th September:
- A large pubcrawl event on Sunday 27th, involving close to 2000 students from both universities, passed without incident. Officers worked extra hours to show a high visibility presence, and to help, direct and control the students. All the students behaved well and no arrests or police actions were needed.
- A further 126 bottles and cans were taken off people drinking in the streets.
- A small number of individuals were asked to disperse from the city centre over the weekend due to anti-social behaviour related to alcohol. Police officers used powers to ask those involved to move away from the area and not return within 24 hours.
- Officers in the mobile police station, placed in Barkers Pool for the duration of freshers week, were on hand to give firsta aid to a female who collapsed with heart problems.
Update 7th October:
- Officers and Community Support Officers have continued to speak to students and give them crime prevention advice and also guidance about behaviour, and this advice has been accepted and followed.
- One student was stopped and searched for a small quantity of cannabis, receiving a caution for it.
- Plans are underway for the forthcoming 'Carnage' event on Sunday 11th October.
- So far a total of 1055 students have been spoken to and given help and advice.
- 598 surveys have now been completed by students new to Sheffield, which are being used to help us plan for future events and to offer help and advice where needed.
Update 15th October:
- Following the disgraceful incident at the 'Carnage' branded event at the weekend, one male was traced quickly once officers became aware of the incident. He was arrested and charged with Outraging Public Decency.
- However, it should be noted that this was the only arrest that came from the event, which passed without any other incident.
Update 21st October:
- Following last night's meeting, this issue has been renewed as a PACT policing priority for the next month.
Update 26th October:
- Sunday 25th October saw a return of the 'Carnage' branded pub crawl. We provided a heavy police presence on the streets and in Barkers Pool. The early stages of the event passed without incident, but 5 students were arrested at the end of the night, for separate incidents of drunken behaviour.
- We are about to start discussions with both universities to ensure that we work together more effectively when students are arrested or cause disorder.
Update 4th November:
- The student who was arrested by police following the 'Carnage' event, has now been found guilty of Outraging Public Decency at court. To read the press report of this follow the link below
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/breaking-student-guilty-of-outraging.5794420.jp
- Officers have held further meetings with the student unions for both of Sheffield's universities, looking at ways to more effectively integrate the student population of the city with the permanent residents.
Update 13th November
- The negative media coverage of students as a result of the poor conduct of a few individuals has had an effect on the public's attittude towards students. To counter this students participated in over twenty events as part of a week to highlight the positive contributions students make to Sheffield. The week was well received by members of the public who watched the events.
Your next PACT meeting is on 24th November 6:30pm at The Circle, Rockingham Lane. If you don't know where the meetings are held please you the link below: