Blunkett focuses on local crime prevention

Monday, 7 July 2003 12:00 AM

The Home Secretary today told a conference of leading figures from the international legal arena how the Government intends to tackle crime at the community level in the UK

His blueprint for the delivery of justice in the 21st century involved focusing on partnerships between law enforcement agencies and local residents.

David Blunkett told the 300 delegates: "I want ordinary people to feel they are involved in beating crime and meting out punishment to offenders."

"For people to have confidence in the system they must feel it works on their behalf, is accountable to them and that they are connected
to it."

Specific plans include piloting community justice centres, with all the relevant agencies under one roof, to deal with minor offences at the local level; introducing community courts; and bringing in tougher measures to deal with offenders below the age of criminal responsibility.

Mr. Blunkett also launched a publication, 'Making the Right Choice', revealing the Government's initiatives to rehabilitate offenders.

The Home Office claims that it is already having success at the community level, with neighbourhood wardens, community liaison officers, and use of penalties such as anti-social behaviour orders to deal with the minor offences that blight people's everyday lives.

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