Devon and Cornwall Police Launch “Walk and Talk”

In a move to address safety concerns and improve public spaces, Devon & Cornwall Police have unveiled the “Walk and Talk” initiative, inviting women aged 18 and over to highlight areas where they feel unsafe. This new scheme, set to commence this February for a trial period of three months, aims to foster a deeper understanding of the safety challenges women face in the region.

Participants in the “Walk and Talk” initiative will be accompanied by female police officers on a walk through areas they find concerning, enabling officers to gain firsthand insights into the reasons behind these feelings of unsafety, whether they stem from inadequate lighting, anti-social behaviour, or other factors. The feedback collected through these walks will then be shared with local partners to identify and implement necessary improvements and changes.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew emphasised the importance of this direct approach in comprehending local issues from the perspective of women and girls. He stated, “This project is designed to continually improve our understanding of local issues, so we can all work together to make changes.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez expressed her strong support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of women’s safety in Devon and Cornwall. Hernandez pointed out the national prioritisation of tackling violence against women and girls and noted the success of a similar scheme in Avon & Somerset. She called upon local partners to support and promote the initiative, especially among vulnerable female groups who might be hesitant to come forward.

The trial will take place in selected locations across Devon and Cornwall, including Truro, Falmouth, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Exeter, Exmouth, Torquay, Paignton, and Newton Abbot. Each “Walk and Talk” session is expected to last around 30 minutes, providing a platform for women to share their experiences and concerns directly with law enforcement.

Women interested in participating in this groundbreaking initiative are encouraged to apply by emailing Walkandtalk@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk, taking a proactive step towards making their communities safer for all.