In the area of the programme 7% of young people committing offences accounted for 32% of the total youth offences. The programme targets young offenders with a persistent offending problem, those convicted only of one seriously regarded offence and those regarded as at risk of offending such as siblings and peers of offenders.

This evaluation discusses the experience of the Bradford NDC Partnership, which implemented a modified version of the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP) in order to tackle persistent offenders and those young people at risk of offending. It examines issues relating to:

It also highlights elements of good practice. This evaluation was commissioned by the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and carried out by Sue Adamson, Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Hull. It is part of the 2002-2005 national evaluation of the New Deal for Communities, which was undertaken by a consortium of organisations, under the coordination of the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University. 

The problems of each young person are assessed using the Youth Justice Board ASSET system. This provides scores relating to risk factors in the young person’s life including attitudes, behaviour and background. An individual programme is tailored to address problems identified, including formal or informal education, reparation and victim awareness, and the provision of role models. Individual young offenders agree action plans. At the first sign of failure to comply the police are informed and they will be arrested. The level of surveillance is such that it should no longer be possible for offenders to indulge in crime.

The programme has developed links with some of the more disaffected young people in the area and has had effects on their offending behaviour as well as providing opportunities in education and routes into employment. There is evidence of reductions for the area of 21% in the number of young people accused of crime and of 36% in the number of offences of which those young people are accused. Among those with whom the programme has worked (to June 2003) only 11% had reoffended.

The programme will benefit the young offenders themselves and the residents of the area.

TISSP currently involves 3 project Workers and one part time project support worker. The premises includes a secure office area with computers for the project workers, a one to one interview room, an open area where the project support worker is based along with 2 client computers, an information point and space for one desk for staff from the Bradford South Statutory Youth Service.

The programme receives funding through the UK government’s NDC programme.

Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University
Paul Lawless (Professor of Urban Policy), tel. +44 114 225 3529

01/09/2001

01/08/2004

case

Urban Policy > Security & crime prevention > Anti-crime policy

Youth crime