Recently, I completed a rather large Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) project. During this process, considerable research was required and several best practices were explored. If we are to become truly “engaged” in our communities and seek out new methods of crime reduction – we must explore other alternatives.

This reminds me in many ways of playing hiding-go-seek when I was a child. Often, there are other solutions and various programs that have been successful elsewhere. These gems are always exciting to find. However, implementation is an entirely different matter. This is not as simple as one might think, especially with our current economy and funding challenges. Roadblocks can come in many forms. It’s therefore essential that we find comprehensive, well-balanced and proactive solutions that work. The East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership is one such “gem”.

With a population of about 500,000 people its not surprising that their government is taking crime prevention very seriously. This partnership is not only impressive but it’s achieving great results – a 20% reduction in crime over the past 3 years. Their approach is holistic and supports real collaboration and community engagement. It brings together representatives from all local agencies involved in community safety and substance “Misuse”, as they call it. The partnership includes council, primary care agencies, district councils, police, probation, children’s services, fire and rescue, crime and disorder reduction partnerships, courts and prosecutors.

In order to respond to the demands of their newly emerging Safer Communities Partnership, their County Council’s Community Safety and Drug and Alcohol (DAAT) teams have been combined to create a new Safe Communities Team. The key slogan is “Work to Reduce Crime, Disorder and Anti-social behavior - excerpt from Safer Communities Partnership Website

The reality is that any partnership initiative such as this can be adopted, downsized, embraced, criticized or … carefully considered. Many communities continue to run in circles with everyone seeking out their own solutions for creating safer communities and neighbourhoods. Collaborating and truly embracing a partnership philosophy is the only “real” solution and East Sussex has certainly done a terrific job of this.

Watch the (8) part video series on the East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership

Filed under Community Crime Prevention, Portals for Discovery