​What is a TownLink Radio?

It is a push-to-talk radio system that connects businesses, security services, public services and police in Southend City Centre. TownLink is controlled by Southend-on-Sea City Council’s CCTV department, who are linked directly to Essex Police.

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You will find a user guide for the townlink radio system in Southend below. This detail should be provided to the designated radio handler (normally a supervisor, manager or security personnel) to read and understand the operating instructions that were given with your shop safe radio.

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How is the radio system used?

Once the radio is turned on (press and hold red button on front), it will automatically sign in and default to the Southend channel. Users must sign on and off every time the radio is used, for example, by transmitting “<your call sign> to CCTV, signing on, and “<your call sign> to CCTV, signing off.” This ensures that:

 

1. CCTV are aware that your radio is in use.

2. The radio is functioning correctly.

 

When assistance is required, the user must push and hold the orange button on the side of the radio to transmit, beginning with “<your call sign> to…” then whichever service the user wishes to communicate with. For example, “<your call sign> to Street Rangers, please can we have your assistance?”

 

When not in use, the radio should be turned off (press and hold red button on front, then select the relevant option). It is good practice to ensure that the radio is always charged.

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When should it be used?

TownLink should be used to either:

 

• Report a concern to CCTV or other TownLink users, i.e., an angry and upset person who has left your location, or a group of rowdy people loitering outside.

• Request assistance from Street Rangers, Community Safety or CCTV, i.e., to remove or negotiate with whoever has refused your request to leave.

• Listen for information that could be relevant to the business, such as alerts from other users about situations of concern, i.e., a police incident nearby that may impact your business.

 

​TownLink in not a substitute for calling 999 in an emergency.​​

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The full guide from Southend-on-Sea City Councl can be downloaded here. ​There are a number of generally recognised procedures around radio usage, and we encourage the radio handler to familiarise themselves with the following: