The report looks at the way police, local authorities and others that comprise the membership of Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) work together to involve and engage their local communities in activities to reduce crime and disorder, improve public reassurance and promote safety. It includes findings based on a survey of CSPs and draws out lessons from submitted case studies, interviews with key stakeholders and other evaluations. Recommendations to improve practice are suggested at a number of levels. A resource list is included for practitioners and policy makers involved in community safety.

Despite the growing interest in promoting active community involvement, relatively few studies have tried to draw together principles regarding what is effective in different contexts in involving and engaging communities in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour. The starting point of the study was to ask CSPs what was going on in their area in terms of working with their communities to reduce crime and improve public safety.

The researchers sent out a questionnaire to CSPs that solicited opinions and invited partnerships to share success stories. Additionally, a range of case studies was submitted under six themes. Lessons were also drawn from relevant national programme evaluations.

The report finds that community engagement needs to be better co-ordinated by partners and local agencies. At the national and regional level, a national framework for joining up consultation and engagement activities should be developed and targets for community safety work should be reviewed. At the local level, processes and frameworks should be rationalised, staff roles should be audited and the involvement of local people should be promoted. At the neighbourhood level, the report recommends seeking out community champions, celebrating local success and encouraging data sharing, networking and good practice between organisations.

Communities and Local Government, Civil Renewal Unit
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
Contactus@communities.gsi.gov.uk

01/06/2006

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National Community Safety Network; Thames Valley Partnership

research

Urban Policy > Security & crime prevention > Tackling crime

Enforcement & civil intervention