Glasgow Street Pastors began as an idea in the heart of a few key individuals in 2007 when they heard about an initiative in London that was making a significant impact in the city. Church leaders were brought together to hear Les Isaac in the Autumn of 2007 and further interest and vision was stirred. On a cold winter day, representatives of Strathclyde Police, Glasgow City Council, and representatives from churches in Glasgow traveled to Aberdeen to hear first-hand of the work of Street Pastors there. This was followed by discussions that culminated in May 2008 with an agreement to work together in partnership and to launch Street Pastors in Glasgow.
Peter Dunn and Carole McQueen, members of the Glasgow Street Pastors Management Team, spent an eye-opening night with the police on the city streets of Glasgow. They discovered that approximately 100,000 people hit the streets of Glasgow on Friday and Saturday nights to enjoy the nightlife of the city. They also found that between 3:00 - 5.00 a.m. is the busiest time of the week for the police. Strathclyde Police continued to be positive about Street Pastors joining the team to see the streets of Glasgow safer. After some extensive training, the plan was to start early in 2009.
Glasgow Street Pastors was launched with great success on Thursday, the fourth of September 2008, at the headquarters of Strathclyde Police, the second largest police force in the UK which faces some of the most significant challenges of policing in our city centres.
This event was attended by nearly 150 civic, police, business, and church leaders from across the region. In an area known particularly for its sectarianism, it was great to have the support of all the mainline denominations on the evening with words of endorsement from both Church of Scotland and Roman Catholic leaders. Members of many other denominations also were present and took an active part in the evening.
The presence of Mohammed Sawar MP, local councillors, and the Dean Convenor of the Trades Hall of Glasgow were of great encouragement. Words of endorsement were given by Bailie Catherine Matheson (representing the Lord Provost) and Councillor Paul Rooney (Chair of the Joint Police Board). Also endorsing the launch was Assistant Chief Constable, Campbell Corrigan. (See also Photo Album)
James Duce of Aberdeen Street Pastors gave a stimulating presentation on the work of Street Pastors in Aberdeen, and local leaders, Peter Dunn and Carole McQueen, made their own contributions encouraging people to jump on board this exciting initiative in Glasgow.
From its meagre beginnings in 2007, we have grown from the 48 street pastors who started on the streets in January 2009 to the 90 street pastors we now have going on to the streets every Saturday night and every other Friday night. The future is very exciting for us in Glasgow as we continue this great initiative..
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