Derby City Council has introduced a new high-visibility, branded van and upgraded uniform for its Public Protection Officers (PPOs) to promote community safety. 

The announcement comes as part of the Council’s ongoing partnership work with Derbyshire Constabulary during Operation Sceptre, a national week of action focused on raising awareness around knife crime. The week also focuses on prevention activity and keeping communities safe.

The new van, branded with “Shattered. Knives shatter lives”, will be deployed across Derby to provide community reassurance, promote safety, and ensure that residents can easily identify council teams working in their neighbourhoods. 

In addition, PPOs will now be equipped with new high-visibility uniform, making them instantly recognisable to the public and strengthening their presence in local communities. 

The announcement comes as part of the Council’s dedication to increasing visibility, improving public confidence, and ensuring that residents feel safe and supported wherever they live and work. 

Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, and Public Safety, said:

We are committed to supporting safe and welcoming communities across Derby. Increasing the visibility of our Public Protection Officers (PPOs) will help residents to feel reassured and safe. The introduction of the new branded van will also promote safety and will offer reassurance to neighbourhoods.

Operation Sceptre, where we are working with our partners, is the ideal opportunity to show how we’re making our PPOs more visible to the community.

During the week, as part of Operation Sceptre, Public Protection Officers (PPOs) will be carrying out knife sweeps across the city, where they will be scanning parks and recreational spaces for knives.