EXCLUSIVE By Dave Gudgeon

Last updated at 11:26, Saturday, 09 August 2008

Doormen working for a Carlisle security firm are now allowed to handcuff troublemakers in pubs and clubs before police get to the scene.

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The scheme, launched last night at various premises in Botchergate after a special training programme, is believed to be the first of its type in the north of England.

The 10 men involved work for Safe & Sound Security (Cumbria) Ltd, run by Shaun Smith and John Baird who have worked on the doors for many years. Their firm – which is based in Fisher Street and now employs more than 30 staff – got the go-ahead for the crime-busting, and potentially life-saving, initiative from the police.

Sergeant Richard Higgin, who has a responsibility for policing the city centre and licensed premises, said: “This is a new initiative aimed at cutting down crime and antisocial behaviour.

“We are regarding this as a trial and if it proves to be a success then everyone will be a winner. We have always worked closely with door supervisors and this is an extension of that relationship.

“Allowing them to use handcuffs makes a lot of sense. It helps to protect them and the person they are detaining. The use of handcuffs quickly diffuses a situation.”

Mr Smith said: “With our long experience on the doors, we know how important it is to properly, and quickly, restrain someone who is drunk and out of control.

“Police can’t get to every trouble spot within seconds and it is up to door supervisors to stop situations getting out of hand and allowing first aid to be administered when that is necessary.

“Door supervisors have always had the right to make a ‘citizen’s arrest’ but new legislation allows them to use handcuffs. But we have to be properly trained and have the blessing of the police.”

Safe & Sound Security (Cumbria) Ltd has already spent hundreds of pounds training door supervisors in the use of handcuffs and buying the equipment.

Mr Baird said: “Ten of our most experienced staff, including Shaun and myself, have now done the appropriate training and received certificates. It involved passing written and practical exams.

“We don’t believe our staff will have to use handcuffs on more than a handful of occasions in a year. It will only be a last resort.

“There was an incident a few weeks ago when a lad was knocked unconscious on the street outside a pub in Carlisle. There was blood all over the place and he was lying on his back. He looked in a bad way.

“There was a door supervisor trying to put him in the recovery position and give him first aid but his mate, who was very drunk, was kicking off because he wanted to look after him. Four supervisors were trying to restrain him but he was really struggling with them.

“It was five minutes before police arrived and were able to handcuff him. If we’d had handcuffs then we could have acted immediately to restrain him.

“Those minutes could have proved the difference between life and death for his pal.”

First published at 05:41, Friday, 08 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk