Govt launches new neighbourhood crime scheme
Home secretary Jacqui Smith has announced that 60 areas across England and Wales have signed up to become neighbourhood crime and justice pioneer areas.
Under the £5.6 million scheme, the areas will appoint a dedicated person – a neighbourhood crime and justice (NCJ) coordinator – to ensure that victims of crime are supported and the public know the rights that the new policing pledge gives them.
The coordinators will give the public a greater say in the way their streets are policed and how offenders are dealt with, the government claims.
“The public have told us what they want from policing and the justice system – services that listen and act on their priorities,” Ms Smith said.
“But sometimes the criminal justice system can feel remote and appear more interested in supporting offenders than punishing them or protecting communities. We are determined to take action on this across government.
She said the public would see the “tough consequences” of breaking the law as a result of the initiative and added: “The new neighbourhood crime and justice coordinators will be a dedicated resource to act on the public’s behalf to make sure that justice is done and seen to be done in their local communities.”
Justice secretary Jack Straw added: “I’m determined to continue the transformation of the justice system into a service for victims and witnesses – one where people know it is on the side of the law-abiding majority.”
All 43 police forces across England and Wales have signed up to deliver the new pledge for their communities by the end of the year.
