Assessment of the 'Prevention First' Crime Prevention Strategy in Ayrshire

1. “An assessment of the ‘Prevention First’ Crime Prevention Strategy in Ayrshire”. Professor Robert Smith, Dr Liz Frondigoun, Dr Denise Martin, Dr Ross Campbell and Julie Truman all of the University of the West of Scotland. SIPR Conference 10, November, 2016.

2. The Research Team Professor Robert Smith Dr Liz Frondigoun Dr Denise Martin Dr Ross Campbell

3. Our Strengths, Skills and Capabilities As a research team, we have an excellent grasp of the subject matter. The PI, Professor Smith, is an ex career Constable, with operational experience of Community Policing, Crime Intelligence and Crime Reduction. He has an HNC in Crime Reduction and has experience of applying for, and implementing a variety of crime reduction strategies and techniques, including ASBOs and ABCs. He has published widely in Policing Studies, and in particular, regarding Police Early Intervention Officers (see Smith, 2010) and Campus Officers (see Smith and Frondigoun, 2013). Dr Frondigoun has considerable experience of conducting assessments and reviews of a wide range of policing specialisms. Dr Martin is a very experienced Policing scholar. Dr Campbell is also a seasoned researched with experience of delivering on contract research. All the applicants are well published, experienced academics. Julie Truman is a very experienced research assistant.

4. Stated Aims of Prevention First The stated aims of the programme are to “…prevent crime, reduce victimisation and reduce locations where offending takes place, through a partnership early intervention approach which gets to the heart of issues and identifies the best way to solve problems and tackle community concerns”. The programme encapsulates a partnership approach to tackling violence, anti-social behaviour and community concerns concentrating on violent crime. The main thrust is that violence is preventable, not inevitable. There is a focus on spaces, places and faces (people).

5. Key Stakeholders These include a wide range of ‘Community Planning’ partners:- Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue, North Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council, and South Ayrshire Council, Other organisations from the Third Sector. They all possess areas of expertise and complimentary skills.

6. Aims and Objectives of the Research Project • We aim to conduct an assessment of the Police Scotland ‘Prevention First’, Crime Prevention Strategy currently being operated in Ayrshire. • The strategy broadly fits a situational crime prevention model (Tilley, 2009). • The approach has been operationalised in many countries in including New Zealand and is operating in North, East and South Ayrshire. • Understanding the complex concerns and needs of all who work and live in these communities is key to keeping people safe and therefore the Prevention First approach focuses on prevention and, if necessary, enforcement. • It provides a proactive, flexible, problem-solving approach to local community issues. • We will focus on Does it work and how can it be improved? • The assessment will include consideration of the historical and contemporary.

7. Our Research Strategy We will assess the veracity of initial assessments of the pilots in North and East Ayrshire that indicate that they are operating in a positive manner and are reportedly delivering better outcomes for individuals and communities whilst simultaneously significantly reducing demand on partner resources through the early implementation of more effective joined up solutions. We will take cognisance of austerity measures and financial pressures which dictate that all initiatives are efficient and effective. We aim to establish or determine whether the project is effective, efficient and viable as an operational strategy / methodology.  

8. Assessment Focus Our assessment focus will comprise of an evaluation of the impact of the programme across 3 local authority areas but concentrating on its impact on levels of crime, disorder and community well-being. We will examine and scrutinise the organisational mechanisms that contribute to this impact and assess the relevance of local context in helping or hindering impact. We will also endeavour to develop an understanding of the implementation process in each area; and provide an assessment of cost and benefits of the ‘Prevention First’ approach. As Policing Scholars, we are aware of the highly successful Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in Ayrshire, which is migrating into adjoining counties. Also we will consider the role of SACRO, Apex, Turning Point Scotland, VRU and other voluntary agencies and addiction services.

9. Additional points of focus We aim to identify examples of good practice and the ‘added value’ and efficiency savings provided by the Prevention First approach. Assess the extent to which ‘Prevention First’ delivers on the Christie Commission recommendations (Christie, 2011) and include an examination of the flexibility of the model, how it can be adapted for use in different localities and alongside other existing problem solving models. Suggest improvements and recommendations regarding methods of measuring community benefits and efficiency savings for partners, including any recommendations specific to each local area. Assess the potential of ‘Prevention First’ as an approach to reference longer term partnership service delivery and provision.

10. Our knowledge of the field and the proposed research framework. Crime Reduction is a topical subject of interest to the UK and Scottish Governments and there is a sound theoretical underpinning. There have been changes to the Community Policing and Crime Prevention landscapes in Scotland including the inception of Police Scotland in 2013 and the Christie Report (Christie, 2011) which have collectively resulted in changes to policing practices and process. The shift towards partnership working in the context of Community Policing and Crime Prevention has changed the nature of who is responsible – the police or other agencies – for dealing with complex community issues within the principles endorsed in Protecting Scotland’s Communities: Fair Fast and Flexible Justice (Scottish Government 2008), reinforced by the Scottish Government’s Reducing Re-offending Programme, the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010.

11. Key Research Topics We envisage that the research topic will span the following areas:- Characteristics of the ‘Prevention First’ strategy what does the strategy involve and how is it implemented, what are its strengths, areas for future development, etc.). Stakeholder experiences of ‘Prevention First’ (programme set-up in each area, the implementation of objectives, intended/unintended consequences, good practice and lessons learned). Stakeholders perceptions of ‘Prevention First) and in particular of the role of the individual officers involvement e.g. crime reduction officer, campus officer, early intervention officer etc. (what works well and areas for development/improvement). Client perceptions of ‘Prevention First’. Public perceptions? Development of an assessment framework against measureable objectives to facilitate programme monitoring.

12. Assessing the literature • There is a burgeoning literature on Crime Prevention but purpose of this presentation is not to list nor discuss these. • There are cognate literatures on Community Policing; anti-social behaviour; Neighbourhood Watch; and Asset Based Approaches. • However, of interest are a few assessments and academic articles relating to the ‘Prevention First Strategy’ which were helpful in assisting us to develop our assessment strategy. • In general terms, the assessments and academic reviews have been of a positive nature. • In addition to reviewing the above, we also consider assessment and reviews of other crime prevention initiatives in the public domain.

13. Methodology (What we will do) These are broadly qualitative in nature and will be undertaken in 4 pragmatic stages, albeit we have made provision for a quantitative analysis of any available stats. We will:- Conduct a small scale literature review of the ‘Prevention First’ and other similar crime reduction strategies to establish a base line for our assessment. This will enable us to see if accepted practice fits extant theory.   Undertake a critical analysis of in-house documented evidence of the prevention and other relevant partnership documentation in relation to operational delivery of the programme from education, health, and police as appropriate. Interview/conduct focus groups with the identified key stakeholders including Council and Third Sector participants across the 3 areas. Conduct focus groups with all officers involved in the delivery of the programme. Liaise with/report to the ‘Prevention First’ Group as detailed in the timetable presented.

14. Justifications of the approach Identifying the ‘added value’ of ‘Prevention First’ activities for policing in the community, for the safety and well-being of those who live and work in these communities, and for youth engagement as well as identifying lessons learned and good practice. Developing indicators/outcomes which will contribute to assessing the programme longitudinally. Informing the development of measurable objectives which will identify the impact on the programme. Assessing the impact of ‘Prevention First’ on/against the Local Policing Plan. Independent assessment will provide a clearer picture of how the various ‘Prevention First’ programmes are being implemented; how well their aims and objectives are being met; how additional council resources and support helps meet these objectives (particularly added value). The limited literature accessed on Prevention First approaches suggest that it is a effective strategy.