NCJ Number
190264
Date Published
November 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study set out to ascertain broadly the nature of voluntary and community sector involvement partnerships, under the Crime and Disorder Act of 1998, in establishing a crime and disorder reduction strategy in the United Kingdom.
Abstract
Under sections 5 and 6 of the Crime and Disorder Act of 1998, a statutory duty was placed on local authorities and the police, in partnership with other agencies to produce a crime and disorder reduction strategy. It was specified that neighborhood watch, victim support, and groups established in the interests of women, young people, elderly, disabled, ethnic minorities, and more be invited to co-operate in the partnership process. In ascertaining the nature of voluntary and community sector involvement, this study investigated the role that the community had in the audit and strategy formulation process, examined the relative costs and benefits, and made practical recommendations to optimize the involvement of the community in partnership working. Research findings indicated that most voluntary and community groups sampled were involved in crime and disorder partnerships. Most respondents considered face-to-face meetings more helpful than written exchanges, and generally, voluntary and community organizations felt consulted and felt their views were taken on board. Several recommendations were presented to assist partnerships in working together with the voluntary and community sector in future rounds of crime and disorder audit and strategy development. Tables and graphs