Community problem solvers hailed for tackling local issues
November 28th, 2022
| A new multi-agency approach to tackling the local community safety issues that matter most to local people is having a positive impact on community safety, it has been revealed. Back in June, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston announced a £730k funding boost for the county’s six Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) to increase community engagement and deliver a stronger response to local issues of concern to the public such as anti-social behaviour, fly tipping and speeding. CSPs are made up of local partners including council, police, fire and rescue and community representatives who work together to address local issues that the police are unable to solve alone. Some of the funding pays for Problem-Solving Coordinators for three years to work with communities and partners to resolve issues and help him meet the priorities laid out in his Police and Crime Plan. This work is supported by the PCC’s Safer Communities Fund which provides grants of up to £5k for initiatives providing a swift response to issues that impact on residents’ daily lives including anti-social behaviour, road safety, bike theft and fly tipping. Already, the scheme is delivering a positive impact on community life and helping to promote safety. In one case, a report was made by a resident to a CSP relating to street drinking and anti-social behaviour around public benches. Other complaints from businesses reported other behaviour that is not acceptable in public at the location. As a result, two perpetrators were engaged through Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s ongoing Operation Luscombe initiative (tackling anti-social behaviour and begging) and were referred to a support hub where district and town councils, drug and alcohol support services, health professionals, housing associations and the Department for Work and Pensions can offer support. So far, the feedback has been positive with residents saying the situation has improved. Darryl said: “Our Problem-Solving Coordinators have hit the ground running to bring agencies closer together to deliver solutions that have a far-reaching impact on their communities. This is partnership working at its best and proves the huge value of tackling persistent problems as a collective. “I know from my many meetings and conversations with residents that anti-social behaviour and other nuisance problems have a detrimental effect on wellbeing. People deserve to feel safe, and I hope our new approach continues to build their confidence and trust in the support and services I am investing in to protect them.” In other developments, Problem-Solving Coordinators have delivered an interactive court experience with secondary schools focusing on knife crime. Students covered all aspects of the justice process from arrest and interview through to being in court and deciding the outcome of the hearing. In another area, a Problem-Solving Coordinator launched a Shop Watch scheme on WhatsApp to enable traders and businesses to share information about crime. To contact your local CSP visit: Fenland CSP Safer Peterborough Partnership Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership East Cambridgeshire CSP Cambridge CSP South Cambridgeshire CSP. |
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