News / ‘Ask for Angela’ aims to keep people safe in public
POLICE and licensees in Shetland are encouraging people to “ask for Angela” if they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation on a date or a social occasion in a public place.
The code phrase initiative has been created to help people escape a date safely and discreetly if they are in the company of someone who makes them feel unsafe.
The #AskForAngela campaign has been successfully used in other areas of Scotland and licensed premises throughout Shetland have been issued with information about the code word.
Asking for Angela will alert security staff and pub workers to situations where people may feel uncomfortable or unsafe, allowing them to step in and offer advice or to help them leave the situation safely and discreetly.
Constable Carole Smith said: “The Ask for Angela campaign has been used in a number of areas in Scotland and has found to be extremely successful.
“Public safety and protecting people from harm whilst within licensed premises is not only important to Police Scotland but also to the venues and their staff.
“Licensed premises throughout Shetland have been sent information about the campaign and asked to advise all members of staff. Posters will be issued for display shortly.”
Chief Inspector Lindsay Tulloch, chairman of Shetland Drug and Alcohol Partnership, added: “People should feel safe from harm and able to socialise in our pubs and clubs without fear of being targeted and subjected to unwanted attention from others.
“The Ask for Angela initiative has worked well in other areas of Scotland and I welcome the initiative to Shetland where we will continue to work with license holders to protect the public while out enjoying this festive period.”
“Anyone can find themselves in an uncomfortable situation without any fault of their own. This initiative can help them out of a situation that could escalate into something worse.”
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