Paramount in the spotlight for managing traffic

Staff from Liverpool-based Paramount Stewarding and Security are using certain police powers to assist with traffic management at live music events at the Blackstone Warehouse in the heart of city’s docklands. 

Various production and music promotion companies present live music events at the venue – and Paramount’s staff are regularly on duty there using specific powers accredited by Merseyside’s Chief Constable under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS), a voluntary scheme, contained in Section 40 of the Police Reform Act 2002. 
 
Close to Bramley Moore Dock, Blackstone Warehouse is in a vibrant and busy area of the city.

With events restricted to ticket holders only and most events sold out prior to the day, there can be long queues waiting for entry prior to the doors opening at 14:30hrs with last entry at 16:30hrs.  

The last Blackstone event attended by Paramount Security was presented on Saturday, 22 January by @CIRCUSmusic and @Higher_Events, which is a cutting-edge House and Techno Event Series. 

 Clare Rogers, Operations, Paramount Stewarding and Security explained that in order to facilitate ingress and egress for the venue, and for the attendee's safety, the road outside is closed to traffic.

 “Our presence reduces the risk at the venue of crowds near a live road. The area is sterile from 14:00hrs   with the exception of emergency vehicles with a diversion in place for regular traffic. It’s another example   of how we work together with community events in a wide and varied setting.”

 Paramount Security work with Symphotech Limited, health and safety consultants to Blackstone   Warehouse, to deliver safe and successful events at the venue.

The role of assessing private sector companies seeking approval to run a CSAS scheme is carried out on behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), a police-owned organisation that works on behalf of the Police Service throughout the UK to deliver a wide range of crime prevention initiatives.

Police CPI carries out checks to establish whether companies are ‘fit and proper’ to exercise CSAS powers and then makes recommendations to Chief Constables in the area the scheme will operate.

It is Chief Constables in England and Wales who decide whether to accredit employed people already working in roles that contribute to maintaining and improving community safety with limited but targeted powers.

Police CPI has assessed more than 120 private sector companies seeking to run a CSAS. The scheme significantly increases the number of businesses able to deliver services that reduce low level crime and disorder whilst assisting police by easing demands on their time and resources.

 PCPI Compliance Manager, Ken Meanwell, who leads on CSAS, said: “Paramount is a highly reputable security company doing some great work with the support of Merseyside Police to make the city of Liverpool a safe place for everyone to enjoy.”