What are the essentials for a police officer on the night shift in Swansea city centre? ion, knowledge… and a pair of flip flops.
The first series of Police 24/7 were made in the Rhondda Valleys, Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil. For our third outing we were due to film over the summer, so we naturally turned our attention to the coast. I’m a Swansea girl, so was thrilled to learn we’d be going back to my hometown!
South Wales Police on the beat in Swansea
During weekends and holidays as a teenager, I could often be found on the steps of Castle Square, or hanging around by the bus station or leisure centre. What I quickly realised was how little things had changed – Swansea is still one of those places where everyone at a loose end seems to head into town. What I hadn’t appreciated was the impact that this has on local policing.
We carry out several weeks of research for the series - this enables us to get to know the officers, find out about their roles and understand what the challenges are on their patch. I spent much of this time with two brilliant and ionate of the Central Neighbourhood team, PC Ruth Davies and PC Kath Thomas.
One of the biggest challenges facing them was the rise of New Psychoactive Substances, also known as ‘Legal Highs’. I was shocked by how many young people we met itted to having taken them. There seemed to be a belief that because they are not yet classed as illegal [the law changes at the end of May], it must be safe for them to do so. Also, by all s the substances are cheap and easy to get hold of.
I was really impressed with the work that the officers were doing on the ground; gaining intelligence on those taking or selling them, creating awareness of the dangers involved and explaining the nasty side effects to young people. Sadly this issue isn’t just a Swansea one; it’s a common problem across Wales and the rest of the UK.
PC Kath Thomas and her colleague PC Ceri Roberts with the filming crew
The Help Point is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner and is run in partnership with St John’s Ambulance, University of Wales Students and South Wales Police. The student volunteers who work there, quite unbelievably, give up their Saturday nights for free and trawl the Wind Street area. The team hands out bottles of water and flip flops for those who’ve abandoned their six inch heels.
Everyone who works on Wind Street has been specifically trained to spot signs of vulnerability. If someone is found who is ed out or looks to be at risk of harm they are taken to a medical facility just behind Wind Street. This is where the paramedics and nurses are based
Swansea’s Help Point
In the first episode, we see how the scheme helps Mike. He’d been out on a work do and mixed alcohol with a prescription medicine. His blood pressure had dropped and he was seriously unwell. Amazingly, after medical assistance and being put on a drip, he walked out of the help point and safely into a taxi 90 minutes later, thanking all of the staff on his way out of the door. It really made me wonder what could have happened to Mike had he not been found and looked after by the Help Point.
It’s of no surprise to me that Swansea has been awarded a purple flag. This means it’s a safe place for a night out. Therefore, that’s where the team and I will be heading for our production wrap party. Hopefully none of us will need to pay a visit to ‘The Help Point’….. Although a spare pair of flip flops for when I abandon my heels may come in handy!
The third series of Police 24/7 starts tonight at 8.30pm, BBC One Wales
