Why personal security?

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Why Personal Security?

Passenger surveys around the country consistently reveal that, despite low levels of recorded crime, passengers have real fears for their personal security while travelling on public transport.

These fears can arise from common experiences such as being stared at, followed or sworn at, or witnessing someone else being victimised. Fear can also be related to the traveller's own experiences, those recounted by acquaintances, by media reporting, and by television and film dramas. Features of the travelling environment such as obstructions to visibility, graffiti, or damaged furnishings, also contribute to these fears.

A large proportion of crime on public transport is not reported. Reasons may include a reluctance to delay the journey, a lack of confidence that the offender will be caught, the absence of someone to report to, and the belief that a report will not be taken seriously. lncivilities such as abuse, harassment and intimidation are even less likely to be reported.

Improving personal security for passengers is a commercial issue. Surveys reveal that passengers avoid using public transport - either generally or at specific times or in particular areas - because of their fears for personal security.

What do we know about Passengers Experiences and Fears?

  • For passengers on public transport, the pedestrian and the private motorist, fear is greater after dark.
  • Women report higher levels of fear than men. Although the recorded crime figures indicate that men are more likely to become victims of violent crime, passenger surveys suggest that women experience a higher level of crime and incivility which they do not report.
  • Familiarity with the area and with the mode of transport affect feelings of security, with local residents and those who use public transport frequently feeling more secure than strangers and infrequent users.
  • The part of the journey spent on board a vehicle is often felt to be more secure for the passenger than the part spent waiting, or walking to or from the stop or station.
  • The rowdy behaviour of young people is often felt to be intimidating or threatening by other passengers.
  • Car parking for the public transport passenger may also present fears for personal security.
  • Public transport staff are felt, by passengers, to play a central role in providing reassurance.

What can be done to Improve Personal Security for Passengers?

Design and maintenance of the infrastructure and vehicles:

It is now well established among transport planners that the design of the infrastructure can reduce opportunities for criminal behaviour and reduce fears for the passenger. Infrastructure which is clean and well maintained creates a sense that the environment is controlled, managed and cared for, and can thus reduce fear.
Guidance note 2 outlines the key principles for planning and design of the transport infrastructure and vehicles.

Developing the role of staff:

Staff play an important role in deterring offenders and providing reassurance to passengers. Many operators, however, have been committed in recent years to the increased use of technology and the destaffing of transport networks.
Guidance note 3 suggests ways in which existing staff can be trained and deployed to maximise their visibility and effectiveness.

Making best use of physical security measures:

Many operators are introducing formal surveillance through CCTV and communication with passengers through Help Points. Such measures are expensive and careful analysis is required to ensure that they are deployed to greatest effectiveness.
Guidance note 4 sets outsome of the issues that need to be considered so that physical security measures have the greatest impact on improving passenger security and reducing fear.

Providing information to passengers:

The provision of information can contribute to passenger confidence and enable them to plan and be in control of their journey.
Guidance note 5 sets out the types of information that assist the passenger to plan their joumey and travel with confidence, and the ways in which that information can be provided.

Working with young people:

Children and young people are major users of public transport but are also perceived by some to be the source of many of the problems. Other passengers may feel harassed and intimidated; staff experience abuse and violence; and waiting areas and vehicles are damaged by vandalism and graffiti.
Guidance note 6 suggests some initiatives which operators can take or be involved in, to influence the attitudes and behaviour of young people on public transport.

Working with other organisations:

Waiting, and the journey from the stop or station, often provokes more anxiety than the time spent on-vehicle. And the problems experienced on public transport often reflect the wider social environment. Working with other agencies is vital if the public transport operator is to influence factors affecting security across the whole journey.
Guidance note 7 suggests a programme of action for working in partnership, who to involve, and how to make it an effective initiative.

Building the Foundation for Effective Action

Recording and monitoring incidents:

Operators work with limited resources, and need to know that the problems they are addressing are those which most affect their
passengers.
The under-reporting of crime and incivilities on public transport creates a distorted picture of the reality.
Operators and the police need to encourage reporting of incidents, and ensure that those who do report receive a sympathetic and helpful response.
Incidents which are reported need to be recorded and monitored, so that levels can be measured, trends and patterns identified.
Guidance note 8 explains how operators can improve levels of reporting and monitor trends so that effective action can be taken.

Knowing what works - monitoring and evaluation:

Evaluation - of success and failure - is vital to ensure that scarce resources are directed towards measures which have been demonstrated to be effective and value for money. To ensure that lessons are learned for the future it is important to understand the factors which influenced the success or failure of any initiative.
Guidance note 9 suggests methods of monitoring the impact of preventive measures so that their effectiveness can be evaluated.

Developing a Policy

Few operators have a designated member of staff with responsibility for personal security. Initiatives have often relied on the interest and dedication of an individual, so that when they leave, the momentum can be lost. Furthermore, initiatives tend to be taken as a reaction to local problems, with few having been developed as part of a comprehensive strategy.
Guidance note 10 suggests a model policy on personal security for operators which can be adapted to local circumstances.

For related documents, pages and internet links, see the column on the right.