A NUMBER of members of a vigilante group set up to ‘protect the community’ have criminal records, the Echo can reveal.
Several members of Safeguard Force have been convicted of crimes and one member has a conviction which is still classed as unspent.
Both Dorset Police and BCP Council have declined to endorse the group, citing a number of concerns over safety.
The group’s founder, Gary Bartlett, previously told the Echo that none of its members had unspent convictions.
An unspent conviction is one still considered active under the law because not enough time has passed for it to be legally disregarded.
When confronted with evidence showing that a member has an unspent conviction, the group admitted "some of" its members have previously run afoul of the law.
Mr Bartlett previously said: “All our volunteers have supplied a DBS check and have gone through an interview process before being allowed to join Safeguard Force. All members patrolling have no unspent convictions to our knowledge.”
The Echo subsequently contacted Safeguard Force about the group’s credibility in light of the earlier assurance.
A spokesperson said: “We acknowledge that some of our volunteers have previous criminal convictions.”
“Every volunteer is bound by our safeguarding policy, code of conduct, and ongoing supervision.
“We also believe strongly in rehabilitation and the value of lived experience. Many people who have faced past challenges want to give back and make a positive difference.
“By including them under strict safeguards, we not only strengthen community safety but also promote reintegration and social responsibility.”
The group said that in cases were an applicant has a conviction, an assessment is carried out into a member’s suitability, and that person is only allow participation in patrols if the group is satisfied the individual poses no risk to the community.
Dorset Police has raised concerns about the group. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said the force would not be endorsing Safeguard Force’s activities following a multi-agency meeting earlier this month.
He said: “A review of their vetting processes has highlighted areas of significant concern.
“The organisers have been unable to provide reassurance that this group has sufficient safeguards in place to ensure volunteers are adequately vetted, trained, and equipped to undertake high-visibility patrols in the community.”
Callaghan said Dorset Police continues to carry out regular patrols and encouraged residents to report concerns directly to officers.
The force is currently recruiting for special constables.
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