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New Uniforms and a New Approach
BOLTONS parking team will be wearing bright new uniforms as part of a package of improvements to mark the start of a new contract in April with current supplier NSL.
NSL have delivered on street parking for Bolton Council since 2005 and recently won a new contract after a competitive tendering process. Among the proposals adopted in the new contract are new uniforms for the Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs), designed to be even brighter and easier to spot.
Thats the change that people will notice immediately, said NSL spokesman Gary Webb. We always say that if drivers are unsure about parking regulations, or need directions, they should ask a CEO. So it makes sense to have bright, easy-to-identify uniforms which make our CEOs easier to spot.
The contract also sees new handheld computers for the CEOs that incorporate push to talk communications systems, enabling them to contact colleagues for advice and assistance more easily, and an in-built still camera for taking photographic evidence.
The latest body worn video cameras will replace headsets that were introduced in 2009, demonstrating Boltons commitment to innovation. Bolton were the first authority in the UK to authorise these cameras for every CEO.
The latest generation of body cameras clip to the front of a jacket, and resemble an ID badge. They are lighter, more robust and more hard-wearing than previous models. However, all CEOs wearing the body worn cameras will have highly visible badges indicating that filming is taking place when they are on patrol.
Gary Webb commented: The reduction in the number of assaults our staff receive has been dramatic, going from about one a month to virtually disappearing. We are very grateful for Boltons commitment to use this technology to protect staff going about their normal duties on behalf of the Council.
Councillor Akhtar Zaman, Bolton Councils Executive Member for Environmental Services, added: The headcams were introduced to reduce the number of assaults on civil enforcement officers and this has clearly happened. The new technology will make this even easier to do. It also enables us to clearly review any incident, making sure our CEOs provide a measured, professional and courteous response in any situation. The new uniforms means that the officers will have a more visible presence, which can only be a good thing for the public.
Thats the change that people will notice immediately, said NSL spokesman Gary Webb. We always say that if drivers are unsure about parking regulations, or need directions, they should ask a CEO. So it makes sense to have bright, easy-to-identify uniforms which make our CEOs easier to spot.
The contract also sees new handheld computers for the CEOs that incorporate push to talk communications systems, enabling them to contact colleagues for advice and assistance more easily, and an in-built still camera for taking photographic evidence.
The latest body worn video cameras will replace headsets that were introduced in 2009, demonstrating Boltons commitment to innovation. Bolton were the first authority in the UK to authorise these cameras for every CEO.
The latest generation of body cameras clip to the front of a jacket, and resemble an ID badge. They are lighter, more robust and more hard-wearing than previous models. However, all CEOs wearing the body worn cameras will have highly visible badges indicating that filming is taking place when they are on patrol.
Gary Webb commented: The reduction in the number of assaults our staff receive has been dramatic, going from about one a month to virtually disappearing. We are very grateful for Boltons commitment to use this technology to protect staff going about their normal duties on behalf of the Council.
Councillor Akhtar Zaman, Bolton Councils Executive Member for Environmental Services, added: The headcams were introduced to reduce the number of assaults on civil enforcement officers and this has clearly happened. The new technology will make this even easier to do. It also enables us to clearly review any incident, making sure our CEOs provide a measured, professional and courteous response in any situation. The new uniforms means that the officers will have a more visible presence, which can only be a good thing for the public.
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