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| Perth & Kinross - Local Initiatives |
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The Muirton area of Perth is an area of deprivation. It consequently suffered from a high crime rate. The local Authority planned to regenerate the area through new building works including a mix of owner/occupied property/property to let and affordable housing. A survey was conducted in partnership with the local authority to establish the needs and fears of the resident community. An analysis provided a basis for strategy both for building and policing priorities. Through a combination of enforcement, diversion, consultation and education, the project is moving ahead with the support of the community. Crime figures have been reduced consistently in the area through practitioners of a number of agencies targeting specific young offenders. YOUTH INITIATIVES - Western Division BANGERSTOX PROJECT Multi-agency approach aimed primarily at combating car crime within the division although now extended to receive referrals from other agencies for other risk taking behaviour problems. Young people are referred to a 12-week course, which includes car maintenance and the chance to race a buggy style vehicle or larger stock car at relevant venues. Young people are also encouraged to develop their skills, and move onto relevant further education at Perth College. Some young people have been funnelled into employment through the project. SAFETAYSIDERS (PERTH & KINROSS) This project runs across the Force area and is managed by the relevant Community Safety Offices in each division. Started in 1992, the project now takes in 40 primary schools across Perth & Kinross, with a total of 1400 pupils. Partners include Tayside Fire Brigade, British Transport Police, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Hydro Electric, plus many more from the Statutory and Private Sector. FUTSAL Based on NIM intelligence profiling hot spot times for youth calls were identified in Perth. This diversion activity was established in partnership with an existing Futsal League to encourage young people aged 12/17 to channel their energies into sport. There are also occasional workshops on topics such as drug/alcohol misuse and good citizenship. THRILLSEEKERS CLUB Blairgowrie suffered youth anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol misuse at weekends. The local youth club was being run on a Thursday night. This project, in partnership with Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, Social Work Department, Perth Connect and local youth agencies addresses activities at optimum times to reduce crime and the fear of crime. Individual youngsters will be targeted to involve them in the activities, which are challenging and developmental. They also are required to attend workshops on drugs/alcohol misuse and positive lifestyle choices. DJ WORKSHOPS In partnership with Social Work Department, Education, Community Learning and Perth College. This project is a 'pre-entry' level course accredited by Perth College. It develops skills with music and provides an opportunity for young people to develop and run a musical event as part of the course. Up to 6 young people aged between 14/16 years can take part at any one time. The partners refer them. The aim is to challenge offending and anti-social behaviour and provides alternatives for high tariff offenders. FOOTBALL/SPORTS COACHING COURSES This project provides an opportunity for offenders to put something back into the community. The aim is to develop them to the level of sports coaches and they then will provide a service to their own community. In partnership with Social Work Department, Education, Community Learning, St Johnstone FC and Perth College. The courses can accommodate up to ten students. Age groups are from 14/16 years. Each partner can refer into the project. Workshops are included in the programme. SCHOOLS LIAISON Modelled on the Eastern Division project this was introduced after a review of partnership arrangements with Perth & Kinross Education Department. SLO's provide all formal input to schools in Western Division. They work closely with individual schools to tailor input and address local issues - bullying, vandalism, drugs, and offensive weapons. They also work closely with local community beat officers to gain intelligence regarding young people who are attending school and who are either offending or on the fringes of anti social behaviour. This provides an intelligence led approach to future diversion activities around the division. ANTI-TRUANCY INITIATIVE As part of the above SLO project, consultation took place with the Support Services Department within Education regarding truancy. Perth & Kinross staff identified that it would be beneficial to work closely with local beat officers on a long-term basis and target specific 'classes' of truancy. A project is being developed to assist them with this initiative. OPERATION APPLECART Operation Applecart is a long established enforcement operation tackling alcohol misuse and under age drinking. In 2002 the operation was developed to include education and diversion. Young people found with alcohol were encouraged to take part in the Futsal project already referred to. They were issued with booklets providing information about alcohol and drug misuse. Local off sales staff and door staff at licensed premises were partners in the initiative. These staff were provided with advice and support when dealing with persons suspected to be under age or acting as agents. Areas to target were suggested through intelligence and hot spot identification. CYCLE TRAINING In partnership with Perth & Kinross Education Department to provide cycle training to pupils aged 10/11 years at schools who identify a need. The course incorporates safety issues in relation to road use and basic maintenance of the cycle. YOUTH CRIME MANAGEMENT GROUP The above group was formed after funding became available from the Scottish Executive to tackle 'persistent offenders'. The group comprises practitioners from Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Community Education, The Reporter, Police, Fire Service and representatives from local groups involved with youth - PACT, GO Project, Young People's Health, SACRO. New measures were introduced to facilitate joint working, joint training and information exchange. Gaps in provision were identified along with duplication of effort. New measures were brought in to fill gaps - SACRO now does one to one work with a 'Personal Change Programme' and a Mediation & Reparation Programme. Case Conferencing and fast track support can now be provided to very difficult offenders. |
