Low Cost Interventions
10. Walk and Talk Schemes
Walk and Talk schemes are a local policing iniative that aims to identify local areas where women feel unsafe and vulnerable and to encourage women and girls to use the StreetSafe app.
This initiative involves women and girls (aged 18 and over) meeting with female police officers to show them areas in the community which make them feel unsafe. Before walk takes place, officers undergo one off training that covers an overview of how the scheme works, FAQs and how to use the SafeStreet app. Following the walk, the neighbour policing team (NPT) work with their local council, housing developers or local businesses to discuss and action the issues that have been raised.
There is no cost involved for the Walk and Talk Scheme
Officer briefing & training/risk assessments/identify referral pathways/creating public-facing social media messaging: 1-2 weeks
Launch booking form/begin targeted social media promotion/engage councils/unis/BIDs/night-time economy partners: 1-2 weeks
Start work in priority locations/begin qualitative data collection
Total: 3-6 weeks
Administrative maintenance, i.e booking systems and promotional updates, £50-£500. Refersher trainiing for officers; £500-£1000 per year
Effectiveness
This initiative is currently undergoing evaluation by Avon and Somerset police, which masures data from the feedback survey to see if there has been an increase in feelings of safety and trust and condfidence in the police.
As of March 2025, there has been over 100 Walk and Talks, with responses suggesting there has been an increase of feelings of trust and confidence in the police. Additionally, there has been an increase in patrols in areas where women and girls have reported feeling unsafe, as well as improved street lighting in these areas as well.