Following a significant number of railway suicides in Harlow, today I met with the Chief Superintendent of the British Transport Police to discuss this tragic problem. Strangely, there isn’t a nationally agreed structure for the policing of railway stations.
However I do believe that somehow there needs to be an increase in police patrols. It is apparent that the largest number of suicidal deaths are committed by troubled individuals often in a temporary state of depression. I would like to see social care and local health organisations working much more closely together in order to create a support network for those identified at risk. For example; Samaritans is a hotline which provides emotional support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress. This is extremely beneficial but a more physical approach needs to be taken too.
But, we also need to see a system of voluntary 'railway' Special Constables established. Their sole focus would be to patrol the platforms to identify any suspicious behaviour, and prevent it. They would be community volunteers - and would have similar powers to other Special Constables.
Another idea would be for Samaritan branches to be ready to attend a station in an emergency. My aim is to create a Pilot Scheme, whereby National Express, East Anglia and the National Police work on preventing suicides on the London to Harlow train line. Seeing as this is such a concentrated approach, it would mean that great attention and time can be dedicated to preventative methods for suicidal deaths at rail stations.
However I do believe that somehow there needs to be an increase in police patrols. It is apparent that the largest number of suicidal deaths are committed by troubled individuals often in a temporary state of depression. I would like to see social care and local health organisations working much more closely together in order to create a support network for those identified at risk. For example; Samaritans is a hotline which provides emotional support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress. This is extremely beneficial but a more physical approach needs to be taken too.
But, we also need to see a system of voluntary 'railway' Special Constables established. Their sole focus would be to patrol the platforms to identify any suspicious behaviour, and prevent it. They would be community volunteers - and would have similar powers to other Special Constables.
Another idea would be for Samaritan branches to be ready to attend a station in an emergency. My aim is to create a Pilot Scheme, whereby National Express, East Anglia and the National Police work on preventing suicides on the London to Harlow train line. Seeing as this is such a concentrated approach, it would mean that great attention and time can be dedicated to preventative methods for suicidal deaths at rail stations.
The Erskine Bridge, and other high risk locations have public phones and prominent give us a call notices - maybe you should consider this as a start.
ReplyDeleteLast thing we need is more volunteer police bother people they consider to be suspicious. Its bad enough as it is with PCSO on the trains bother people taking photos or just going about there business.
ReplyDeleteBit bermused by your comment that there isn't a national structure for policing stations as the British Transport Police is the dedicated national police force for the railway, including stations, and polices its environment in accordance with its national policies. Furthermore it has a Special Constabulary - volunteer officers who give up their time to conduct high visibility patrols on trains and at stations. Further info on the transport police website.
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