News from Southampton Labour

Southampton to pioneer new crime fighting approach

Southampton Itchen Labour MP John Denham has welcomed the announcement by Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith that Southampton is to be one of 60 Crime and Justice Pioneer Areas. The new pioneer areas will each appoint a dedicated person – a Neighbourhood Crime and Justice (NCJ) Co-ordinator – to ensure that Community Payback in the local community is visible and tough, that victims of crime are supported to reduce re-offending and that the public know the rights that the new national Policing Pledge gives them.

The coordinator will work within Southampton City Council but will be directly funded by the Government. Justice Co-ordinators will be a powerful force to take forward the radical vision set out in the Casey Review and Policing Green Paper to give the public a greater say in the way their streets are policed and how offenders are dealt with.

The Co-ordinators are in addition to the announcement of funding for 3600 Community Crime Fighters, another recommendation from the Casey review, who are members of the public offered free training and support to get the best from local criminal justice services.

John Denham said “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.

“The new Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Coordinator 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 Southampton.

“Southampton people have told me what they want from policing and the justice system – services that listen and act on their priorities. They want a system that is on the side of the law-abiding majority. To do this we must open up the system further, making it more transparent and showing people through clear examples such as tough, visible Community Payback.”

Other news from Southampton Labour

• We must keep investing to help everyone back into work – Labour MPs - 10 March 2010
• Alan Whitehead MP calls for support for hardworking carers - 8 March 2010
• Whitehead pledges to continue the fight against fuel poverty - 8 March 2010