Police spend a day in a bar

POLICE officers spent the day in a Warrington town centre bar – but it was all in a good cause.
The event, at Babylon, in Bridge Street, was a training day for Special Constables and officers from the new Warrington town centre Neighbourhood Policing Unit on tackling alcohol related crime.
It was to enhance the officers’ knowledge of licensing law and help them ensure safety in the town centre at night.
They also learned about ArcAngel, Cheshire Police’s scheme that sets standards for businesses and organisations to adhere to and runs alongside schemes such as Challenge 21 and Challenge 25.
Paul Draycott, police licensing officer for Warrington, said: “This training day is an example of the close working relationships being developed between Cheshire Police and the licensing trade to improve standards within Warrington and create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone.”
Helen Willis, premises supervisor at Babylon, said “I am really pleased to be working in partnership with Cheshire Police and to have the opportunity to assist in this training event aimed at developing officer skills, which will ultimately further contribute to making Warrington a safe, inviting and enjoyable place to visit”
The course was a full day event attended by 25 officers.
Inspector Richard Reeves, who is responsible for policing the town centre, said: “Of course there can be no substitute for dealing with genuine issues, but this training has given them the chance to gain an in-depth knowledge of the powers available to them and will mean they can take a level of experience with them onto the streets of Warrington.”
Superintendent Jed Manley, who is in charge of alcohol-related issues in Warrington, said: “People have the right to enjoy a night out in Warrington without fear of anti-social behaviour and violence and the level of training given to our officers demonstrates our commitment to achieving this.”
Pictured…police officers training at Babylon.