Night Watch (the Salvos) helps make Bratislava safer at night

In addition to the municipal police, state police or emergency medical services, the volunteer Night Watch (the so-called Salvos), who are ready to help in situations that do not require police intervention, but rather the help of the responsible public, also contribute to safety and risk reduction in Bratislava at night. Such situations include, for example, escorting a lost person to a public transport stop, assisting a person who may have lost their belongings, providing support to people in emotionally stressful situations, or performing treatment for light and minor injuries.

Over the past weeks, the first volunteers have undergone a series of training sessions. They have learned from the already acquired knowledge of the city field team, but they have also received training in a variety of areas - from first aid to conflict de-escalation, basic field-work and assisting people under the influence of drugs. The service has already been brought onto the field and at night in the centre of Bratislava it is possible to meet the team of volunteers in clearly marked vests. During weekends - on Fridays and Saturdays, between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., they move to those locations that are among the most exposed in terms of concentration of people. These are, for example, Kollárovo Square, Obchodná Street, SNP Square, Michalská or Ventúrská Street. These are also locations that are under increased surveillance by the Bratislava Municipal Police.

„The aim of the Night Watch activities is to render experience of the nightlife more pleasant, to put a more human face on it, so that visitors to the city can get home safely. Field services have confirmed that there are situations where just such a non-oppressive service is desirable and welcome. For example, a couple of volunteers helped a young woman call a taxi service because her mobile phone was dead, they also helped a tourist who got separated from his group and got a glass of water. We also had a case where the team assisted people under the influence of alcohol who overestimated their capacity to cope," said Iveta Chovancová, Deputy Director of the Social Affairs Division at the City Hall.

The city's Social Affairs Division worked on the Night Watch service in association with the Bratislava Municipal Police, which has an overview of the most frequent incidents and when and where they tend to occur.

„Those out enjoying the nightlife are frequently, but not solely, young people. Night Watch is there for all those who need it. It in no way replaces the standard emergency and security forces, but relieves them where they are not needed. When setting up the service, we have placed a great emphasis on volunteers remembering that their safety is paramount - we also stress this to them during training. ”The golden rule is that I help others, but I always put my own safety first," emphasises Martin Královič, Night Mayor and Mayor's Safety Advisor.

„Safety in the city for residents and visitors is one of our priorities and this project is a way of enhancing safety - in addition to the activities of the Bratislava Municipal Police, the Police Force of the Slovak Republic or the city's field team - and perhaps even partially avoiding the deployment of individual rescue services. This is a new service, which we would like to develop further based on the experience gained from this year's pilot season," added Lenka Antalová Plavuchová, Deputy Mayor of Bratislava.

** Recruitment for volunteers will be open in the next few days. Anyone who is interested can apply online and become part of the Night Watch ↗︎.**

The requirements for volunteers are: to be of the minimum legal age, to speak English, and to be pro-social. Education and experience in the helping professions, psychology, etc. are an asset. In the current season, the Night Watch will operate up to the end of September.