Project Vigilant

Dear Resident

An operation was carried out in #Dacorum last night (Thursday 14 August), to help keep young people safe while out celebrating their exam results.

#ProjectVigilant aims to identify and intercept those who may be displaying concerning predatory behaviour in the night-time economy, to protect the public and prevent sexual offences from occurring.

The initiative sees specially trained plain-clothed and uniformed police officers patrol public areas outside bars and pubs. The plain-clothed officers integrate themselves among the public and identify anyone of concern before their uniformed counterparts take action – which may include arrest.

Examples of the predatory behaviour officers are looking out for include sexual comments, inappropriate touching, and loitering.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Sam Pearce leads Project Vigilant in Dacorum. She said: “A-level results day traditionally sees young people out celebrating in local pubs and bars.

“With this in mind, we ran a Project Vigilant deployment in both Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead on Thursday night to help ensure that everyone was safe from any unwanted or predatory behaviour. Thankfully, no such incidents were reported to officers on the night.

“A stop search was conducted after a man was spotted acting suspiciously, but nothing of note was found. Two young people were also taken home as a safeguarding precaution.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority across Hertfordshire and Project Vigilant is an important part of this work. Everyone has a right to feel and be safe during a night out.”

Having been first launched by Thames Valley Police in 2019, Hertfordshire Constabulary piloted Project Vigilant in Watford in 2023. Since then, it has been rolled out in towns across the county, with more than 130 officers receiving specialist training as part of the project.

This includes behavioural detection tuition, where officers are taught a scientific based process used to detect anomalous human behaviour. The training gives officers an insight into how sexual predators think and behave and equips them with the tools and knowledge to identify if someone’s behaviour is concerning.

#SaferTownCentres