Pilot scheme to pair female members of the public with female police officers on patrol in Clapham

Cressida Dick yesterday announced a new scheme being piloted in Clapham in which local women join police officers on patrol.

The 'Walk and Talk' initiative being trialled in Clapham is in response to "heightened concerns" voiced by women following the murder of Sarah Everard in March.

Speaking at the National Federation of Women's Institutes (WI) annual meeting on the same day Metropolitan police officer, Wayne Couzens, admitted to the kidnap and rape of Sarah Everard, Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said her murder "sent shockwaves" through communities and across her workforce.

"What happened then was a catalyst for wider societal concern about the safety of women and girls," said Dame Cressida.

"It brought into sharp focus that women and girls do not feel as safe as we want them to.

"It also brought into sharp focus our resolve, and determination to work even harder with our partners across the criminal justice system to protect women and bring offenders properly to justice."

The 'Walk and Talk' scheme will pair 25 female neighbourhood officers who know the Clapham area well with female members of the public during street patrols.

Women who take part can share with officers locations in which they feel vulnerable, and patrols will take place when there are fewer people, less traffic and at darker times of day so officers can gain a better understanding of what concerns local residents.

Sergeant Becky Perkins, who leads the initiative, said she hoped that by officers walking with women on their usual routes and listening to their concerns first-hand "we will be able to act and build trust".

Dame Cressida told the WI: "The initiative has been developed by officers in that area and is part of proactive response to concerns from women. These concerns have become more heightened latterly.

"It provides an opportunity for the officers to speak to female members of the community about their experiences, what they think could be improved and concerns and reflections. We are really eager to learn from the public about what we/they/our partners can do to improve the safety of our areas for women."

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