Glasgow Street Pastors started as an idea two years ago for a few folk who had heard with excitement how things were developing in England. Church leaders were brought together to hear Les Isaac in the autumn of 2007 and further interest was stirred. On a cold winter day representatives of Strathclyde Police, Glasgow City Council and churches in Glasgow traveled to Aberdeen to hear firsthand of the work of Street Pastors in that city. 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 Management Team, recently spent an eye-opening night with the police on the city streets. About 100,000 people hit the streets of Glasgow on Friday and Saturday nights making the hours of 3-5.00am the busiest time of the week for the police. Peter and Carole spent time with the special team of 40-50 extra officers. They also visited the video filming centre with over 400 cameras keeping an eye on the city, and the call centre near Rangers Ibrox stadium. Strathclyde Police are keen to see the Street Pastors on the city streets following their training in early 2009.
Glasgow Street Pastors was launched with great success on Thursday 4th September 2008 at the headquarters of Strathclyde Police. Strathclyde is the second largest police force in the UK and faces some of the most significant challenges of policing in our city centres with over 100,000 people descending to enjoy the night life each weekend.
The launch 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 was 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 speaking words of endorsement and encouragement 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, and local leaders Peter Dunn and Carole McQueen made their own contributions encouraging people to jump on board this exciting initiative in Glasgow.
Glasgow Street Pastors' Commissioning Service was held on January 17. See News.
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