Project Vigilant – spotting sexual predators

Project Vigilant patrols have been set up across the county to identify and intercept those who may be displaying predatory behaviour during the night-time economy to help prevent sexual offences from happening.

Hertfordshire adopted the national safety initiative after piloting it in Watford. 

It involves specially trained plain-clothed and uniformed police officers patrolling public areas outside nightclubs, bars and pubs. Plain-clothed officers integrate themselves among the public and highlight anyone of concern before their uniformed counterparts take positive action – which may include arrest.

Project Vigilant complements the constabulary’s annual Operation Advisory campaign, which educates on topics including consent, drink spiking and personal safety.

• The initiative’s primary aim is to prevent sexual offences being committed against women, but Project Vigilant is there to protect everyone.
• Only uniformed police officers will approach members of the public, unless there is an immediate threat to life – in which case, plain-clothes officers will intervene if they are first on scene.
• Project Vigilant’s uniformed officers are separate resources to their public order colleagues and are therefore ring-fenced to deal with stop checks requested by their plain-clothed colleagues.
• The deployments are planned according to expected demand and consider key events and dates that are likely to increase the number of visitors to the town centre.
• Plain-clothes officers are both male and female, a mixture of ages and from a range of different backgrounds.
• The Project Vigilant team works in partnership with venue management, staff and CCTV operators to ensure the safety of those enjoying a night out.