The first Hi! Visibility Day in the City of London

City of London Police, in partnership with the City Security Council, launches first “Hi! Visibility” Day in May 2021.

City of London Police officers and security professionals based within the Square Mile joined forces to remind members of the public that security remains a priority as lockdown restrictions are eased.

The day, known as ‘Hi! Visibility Day’, provided reassurance that while the City may have been quieter than usual during the pandemic, police officers and security staff have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure they are ready to safely welcome visitors, workers and residents back to the capital.

Neill Catton, Chairman of the City Security Council, said: “The Private Security Industry showcased the incredible men and women working in collaboration with police to keep the City of London safe and secure. The Hi! Visibility day shone a light on those individuals who make the public’s safety a priority every day, provide further insight into what security means within the Square Mile, and encourage collaboration so that everyone is able to do their part.”

Sector Policing teams organised a number of key engagement events throughout the day, such as bike marking, liaison with City schools, homelessness hubs and joint working with Street Pastors to provide advice and support to individuals around personal safety.

In the evening, officers from the City of London Police’s licensing team engaged with licensed premises and those further enjoying the lifting of restrictions, alongside special constables who patrolled bridges and crowded spaces.

Project Servator, a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public, linked up with members of the City Security Council, and some of the more than 400 security professionals who took part on the day.

Their main aims are to ensure joined-up working when it comes to identifying and reporting criminal activity, and to recruit members of the public to be extra ‘eyes and ears’ and pass on details of anything that doesn’t feel right.

Chief Inspector Christopher Hay, City of London Police, said: “As lockdown restrictions ease, it is understandable that people will want to regain a semblance of normality.  Whether this is through returning to the office, going shopping, engaging in leisure activities or meeting friends at one of the City’s many hospitality venues, it is important to remain vigilant, so as not to fall foul of criminals.

“Our teams of officers from across our force took to the streets to speak to residents, workers and visitors about the best ways to protect themselves, and their loved ones, whilst enjoying all that the City has to offer.”