Blunkett unveils £190 million package to tackle rising crime

Beleaguered Home Secretary David Blunkett has responded to last year's rising crime trends ('Crime figures show biggest rise for more than a decade', News, SMT, July 2002, p7) by announcing a special package of measures to support local police commanders and the ongoing battle against drug-related offences.

Announced in The Times, the Home Office initiative comprises a £46.2 million package of measures for the 30 regional areas most prominently affected by drug-related crime, in addition to a £94 million spend on local groups tackling the drugs issue. The remaining £50 million of allocated Government funding is to be spent on supporting local police commanders in their efforts to combat crime.

In practice, the funding will allow drug testing to take place, the expansion of drug treatment and testing orders and an aftercare system to be put in place for all those offenders leaving prison. Money will be given to the existing 376 Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships to help them tackle drug and crime-related problems 'on the ground', with the Home Secretary quick to point out that he is considering the merger of such partnerships with a view to "cutting down on bureaucracy".

The distribution of Basic Command Unit funding for the police service is very welcome at this time, with commanders now able to allocate these additional resources to addressing the problems that matter most in their localities.

Speaking in The Times, Blunkett said: "We want to give local partnerships the resources and flexibility to target investment where it will reduce crime and deliver real change on the ground. This is part of the Government's drive to decentralise, and make sure that there are both resources and responsibility available at local level. We must be seen to draw together the inter-related issues of Class A drugs and crime."

Blunkett pointed to evidence suggesting that targeting offenders at all points in the criminal justice system works to reduce re-offending and drug dependency. "The best place for drug-using offenders is in treatment centres where they're out of trouble," said The Home Secretary. "Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) are a form of tough love. What we're saying is accept the treatment on offer or face a custodial sentence."

Blunkett also pointed out that, on its own, money cannot automatically solve the myriad problems to be found in those areas with big drug addiction. "That's why the Home Office will be working closely with local agencies and the voluntary sector to spread best practice ideas."

For the 30 areas most affected by the misery of drug-related crime (chosen on the basis that they have the highest acquisitive crime levels), there'll now be pre-arrest initiative aimed at catching persistent offenders before they commit another crime. There'll be a 50% increase in DTTOs and enhanced arrest referral.