On Friday night I joined Avon and Somerset Police‘s local officers, for a “ride along”. In the past I’ve accompanied vice officers, the Rapid Response unit, neighbourhood beat officers and “specials” as they’ve patrolled Bristol’s streets.

This time, however, it was all about the night-time economy, which covers clubs, bars, restaurants, catering vans, the taxi cabs and more. What the police call “PC Rain” made it a quieter night than usual, but it was still interesting to hear from them where the problems tend to arise, and how they deal with them.

The Mayor has set up a “Night-Time Economy Taskforce” to ensure that Bristol’s nightlife thrives, and continues to attract people to the city centre, The police’s role in ensuring people’s safety after dark is crucial to this.