The Bournemouth Echo’s decision to form a partnership with the community patrol organisation Safeguard Force has prompted debate among local residents, campaigners and politicians, with critics questioning the backgrounds and affiliations of some individuals connected to the group.
Announcing the partnership, Bournemouth Echo editor Toby Granville said: “I’m delighted we have forged this alliance with Safeguard.
“I’m excited about giving Safeguard a voice through our newspaper and together we can help make Bournemouth a better and safer place for our readers.”
The partnership has attracted scrutiny because of concerns raised by campaigners about some of the public activities and associations of people involved with Safeguard Force.
Safeguard Force presents itself as a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to improving community safety through visible patrols and engagement with residents. The group says its aim is to support local communities and help create a safer environment across Bournemouth and the surrounding area.
However, the organisation has also faced criticism from local politicians, anti-racism campaigners, Dorset Police and other members of the community.
Earlier this year, Dorset Police confirmed they would not formally endorse Safeguard Force. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan cited concerns regarding governance, training, accountability and operational procedures.
Police representatives stated they had requested further information from the group regarding matters such as volunteer vetting, training standards, use of body-worn cameras and safeguarding arrangements.
The force emphasised that policing and law enforcement remain the responsibility of trained officers operating within established legal frameworks.
A selection of public comments in response to the Bournemouth Echo’s announcement:
‘Perhaps if you want to make Bournemouth safe for everyone, then you could stop with the rage-bait headlines that get people riled up? Just a thought.‘
‘Another reason to stop reading the Echo. Are the real police endorsing this relationship? I see they’re not mentioned. And is there money involved by any chance? Bournemouth needs to know.‘
‘What we saw in Belfast last night is Gary’s wet dream…‘
‘So, local rage bait spreaders team up with vigilantes?‘
‘So the Daily Echo is now funding right-wing vigilantes? Nothing to do with the new (returning) editor, who is a known far-right supporter. So much for a balanced press!‘
The ‘Echo hasn’t been a real newspaper for a long, long time. No one who works for it can be credibly called a journalist now.’
Questions have also been raised about some individuals associated with the organisation.
Particular attention has focused on public support expressed for campaigns including the Football Lads Alliance (FLA) and Together for the Children.
The Football Lads Alliance was established in 2017 as an anti-extremism movement. However, over time it attracted significant controversy. Various academics, anti-racism organisations and media outlets reported concerns about the presence of far-right activists within parts of the movement and allegations that some events provided a platform for anti-Muslim sentiment.
The organisation itself rejected claims that it was a far-right group and argued that its focus was opposition to extremism.
Together for the Children emerged from networks connected to the Football Lads Alliance. Critics have pointed to overlaps in personnel and leadership between the two movements, while supporters describe the organisation as a campaign focused on child protection and community concerns.
The existence of these connections has led some local residents to question whether individuals involved in community patrol initiatives can effectively represent and serve Bournemouth’s diverse population.
Campaigners argue that any organisation seeking a prominent public role should demonstrate that it is committed to treating all residents equally, regardless of ethnicity, religion or background.
Supporters of Safeguard Force reject suggestions that the organisation is politically motivated. They maintain that volunteers are focused on community safety and public reassurance rather than political activism.
The controversy highlights a broader national debate about the role of volunteer patrol groups and the boundaries between community engagement and activities traditionally carried out by police forces.
For Bournemouth Echo, the partnership inevitably raises questions about editorial judgment and due diligence. Critics argue that providing a platform to any organisation facing significant public controversy requires careful scrutiny and transparency.
Supporters, meanwhile, may argue that local newspapers should engage with a wide range of community groups and allow readers to make up their own minds.
What is clear is that the debate surrounding Safeguard Force is unlikely to disappear. As the organisation seeks a larger public profile, questions about its leadership, affiliations and accountability will continue to attract attention.
Whether the partnership ultimately strengthens community confidence or deepens existing divisions remains to be seen. What is certain is that both Safeguard Force and the Bournemouth Echo can expect continued public scrutiny as the discussion develops.
