Strategic security and suicide prevention on the railway

The challenge

Unauthorised access to the railway presents a serious risk to both operations and public safety. Trespass, vandalism and crime disrupt services, damage infrastructure and place lives in danger. For Network Rail, reducing these incidents is essential not only to protect the network, but also to minimise the risk of suicide and serious harm within the communities the railway serves.

Addressing this challenge requires more than reactive security. It demands a visible, trained and trusted presence capable of intervening early, responding rapidly and working collaboratively with emergency services.

The Morson Vital solution

Morson Vital delivers the core implementation of Network Rail’s Vigilant Presence Strategy and Strategic Security Strategy across the Anglia Route. Our role is to provide a proactive, high-visibility patrolling service that deters unsafe behaviour, identifies risk early and intervenes when lives are at stake.

We deploy experienced, highly skilled mobile patrollers, selected for their contract-specific competencies and local knowledge. Teams operate across stations, level crossings and high-risk rail environments, delivering foot patrols supported by vehicle-borne and train-borne deployment to maximise coverage and responsiveness.

Our patrollers are trained to respond decisively and sensitively to incidents of trespass, vulnerability, suicidal behaviour and rail-related crime, while maintaining close coordination with Network Rail personnel and emergency services.

How the service operates

Morson Vital’s teams provide:

• A visible trackside and station-based presence to deter trespass, vandalism and criminal activity

• Rapid response to reports of vulnerable individuals, unauthorised access and safety breaches

• Routine inspection of rail boundaries, identification of defects and delivery of temporary repairs

• On-the-ground intelligence gathering to inform future deployments and preventative measures

All activity is delivered in line with Network Rail’s safety standards and operational requirements.

Technology-enabled delivery

Technology plays a critical role in improving efficiency and effectiveness across the service:

Covert cameras and sensors
Detection technology triggers rapid responses, reducing undetected trespass and enabling timely intervention at high-risk locations.

Body-worn cameras
All patrollers are equipped with body cameras to enhance personal safety, deter violence and provide a clear, evidential record of incidents. Footage is used to support investigations, policing outcomes and continuous improvement of deployment strategies.

Outcomes and impact

The service has delivered measurable improvements across safety, security and operational resilience, including:

• High-visibility patrols that deter trespass and provide critical moments of reflection for vulnerable individuals

• Direct interventions that interrupt suicidal acts and prevent harm

• Identification and reporting of infrastructure faults, boundary damage and repeat-incursion hotspots

• Evidence capture supporting enforcement, investigation and prosecution

• Temporary safety repairs and additional surveillance to protect the railway until permanent fixes are completed

Beyond operational outcomes, the service contributes to longer-term risk reduction through insight-led planning and targeted hardening of vulnerable locations.

Community engagement and prevention

Morson Vital supports Network Rail’s wider suicide prevention and mental health initiatives through active participation in community campaigns and awareness events. These include collaborations focused on encouraging conversation, reducing stigma and promoting early intervention around mental health and wellbeing.

Our teams are trained in Managing Suicidal Contact through the Samaritans, alongside Security Industry Authority standards, ensuring interventions are calm, compassionate and effective.

Collaborative working

The success of the service is underpinned by close collaboration with Network Rail teams and emergency responders, including British Transport Police. Integrated patrolling and clear communication enable rapid escalation, coordinated response and effective resolution of incidents.

Feedback from partners has highlighted the professionalism, vigilance and life-saving impact of Morson Vital’s patrol teams, including interventions that have prevented fatalities and disrupted organised criminal activity on the route.

The result

Morson Vital’s strategic security and suicide prevention service has become a critical component of railway safety across the Anglia Route. Through visible presence, trained intervention, smart technology and strong partnership working, we help protect lives, reduce disruption and keep the railway operating safely for the communities it serves.

Rail safety, delivered with care, vigilance and purpose.