Testing ‘Ask for Angela’ in #Walsall

What actually happens when you walk into a bar and ‘Ask for Angela’?🤔 Two of our officers headed into Walsall town centre, ahead of Valentine’s Day, to visit local bars, restaurants and hotels to find out. Our plain clothes officer carried out several test scenarios to see how venues would respond when someone asked for ‘Angela’. They visited several city centre venues, including St. Matthew’s Hall, The Village Inn Hotel and a Travelodge, requesting ‘Angela’ to test whether staff recognised the code word and followed the correct procedures. The Ask for Angela scheme is designed so that anyone feeling vulnerable, uncomfortable or at risk can approach a member of staff and ask for ‘Angela’. Staff should take them to a safe space, offer support, and help them leave safely, whether that’s by reuniting them with friends, calling a taxi or contacting police if needed. Both of our officers were extremely happy with the responses from each of the locations, with staff acting quickly and discreetly to offer safeguarding. Find out more around we’re doing to keep you safe on our Safer Nights Out page: https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/po... Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.