Night Marshal patrols in Chelmsford city centre have been extended, with teams now operating on both Friday and Saturday nights.
The additional patrols are being funded through the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentration Fund, after Chelmsford was identified as one of 230 areas in England and Wales most affected by knife crime.
From 25 September, accredited Night Marshals will patrol the city centre on Friday and Saturday evenings, providing an increased visible presence during some of the busiest periods for Chelmsford’s nighttime economy.
Extra Patrols During Peak Nightlife Hours
The marshals will operate between 10pm and 4am, covering Chelmsford High Street and surrounding areas.
They can be recognised by their high-visibility purple vests and work closely with Essex Police, Chelmsford City Council officers, CCTV operators, Chelmsford For You and the city’s SOS Bus.
The expansion follows Saturday night patrols that have been running since January 2026, after an earlier six-month pilot.
Night Marshals are accredited under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme and are trained to deal with anti-social behaviour, public nuisance and situations that could potentially escalate into disorder.
Funding Aimed at Reducing Violence and Knife Crime
Chelmsford City Council and Essex Police jointly secured funding for a wider package of preventative measures focused on the city centre.
The programme will include increased visible patrols, youth outreach, education, environmental improvements, closer work with venue security teams and a public-awareness campaign.
Businesses will also be supported with knife protection and anti-spiking equipment.
Police data indicates that the highest risk of violent incidents linked to Chelmsford’s nighttime economy is on Friday and Saturday nights, particularly between 8pm and 3am.
The council says alcohol consumption and large crowds gathering in the same areas are among the factors contributing to increased risk during these periods.
Serious Violence Down Year-on-Year
Chelmsford City Council says partnership working between the council, Essex Police and the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit has contributed to a 35.9% year-on-year reduction in serious violence.
The Moulsham and Central area has seen a particularly notable improvement.
Councillor Natacha Dudley, Chelmsford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said the new funding would allow existing community safety work to be expanded further.
Chelmsford also holds Purple Flag status for its nighttime economy and operates a Women’s Safety Charter aimed at improving safety for people enjoying the city centre after dark.
Supporting Vulnerable People in the City Centre
As well as helping to prevent disorder, Night Marshals regularly support people who may be vulnerable, separated from friends or in need of assistance.
Their direct radio contact with CCTV operators and Essex Police allows them to quickly raise concerns or request additional support when required.
The expanded patrols will form part of a wider 12-month programme of crime prevention and community safety work in Chelmsford.
The Safer Chelmsford Partnership will also continue its broader work across the district, focusing on crime and disorder, substance misuse and reducing reoffending.