19 June 2008
The government has backed a report by crime and communities adviser Louise Casey that proposes steps to make more information on crime rates available and restore public confidence in the judicial system.
Casey, in her report Engaging communities in fighting crime, published on June 18, suggests local data should be provided on online maps, monthly information leaflets should be delivered to homes, and local groups should be given funds to help tackle crime.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that although crime had fallen, 'too many people don't believe the system is on their side'. He added: 'Through this report people have told us what they want to be done and we are going to act.'
The Home Office said new minimum standards would be set for neighbourhood policing, there would be investment in 'a new team of community champions', and steps would be taken to increase the 'visibility' of community sentences.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: 'Making sure that people feel safe and secure in their communities is my top priority. And central to that is building people's confidence that crime is being tackled in their areas and justice is being done – and being seen to be done. With people having a strong voice in local policing priorities – as well as the information and the tools they need to understand what's going on in their area – we'll make neighbourhood policing work for every community across the country.'
But Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said what was needed was better enforcement of existing policies. 'Naming and shaming and high visibility tabards are gimmicks.' he said. 'What we have to do is ensure that there is delivery. That is the function that the Home Office and the Justice department have spectacularly failed to perform.'
Casey spent eight months consulting 13,000 people in England and Wales for her review, which makes about 30 recommendations. She said justice needed to be more 'visible', with better feedback from police about the outcomes of court cases.
She is to be given the extra role of neighbourhood crime and justice adviser, the Home Office said.
PFjun2008
