Delivering Safer Communities
A guide to crime and disorder reduction partnerships
Crime and criminal behaviour has direct and significant links to the health of local communities – dealing with crime is good health policy. Primary care trusts (PCTs) in England have had legal responsibilities related to the reduction of crime and disorder since 2004. There are some areas of excellent practice, but in general only lip service has been paid to the new regulations. It is important that PCTs take their responsibilities seriously and this Briefing explains how the Home Office’s new document, Delivering safer communities: guidance for crime and disorder reduction partnerships and community safety partnerships, can help them do so. The legal responsibilities also apply to local health boards (LHBs) in Wales.
Title: Delivering safer communities: A guide to crime and disorder reduction partnerships
Authors: The NHS Confederation, Home Office and Department of Health
Series: Briefing 156
Number of pages: 6
Date published: February 2008
Availability: Download full report 
PDF 464Kb
Key points
PCTs have had legal responsibilities linked to reduction of crime and disorder since 2004, but some have failed to act effectively on them. By law, PCTs must be active partners in local CDRPs.
The representative on a partnership board should be a board-level director of a commissioning PCT. The representative should have powers to take decisions and commit resources on behalf of their organisation.
By 2009, PCT performance indicators will be joined up with those of partners.
Crime and criminal behaviour impacts on communities – and on healthcare service provision; it therefore also makes good sense for PCTs to work with partners to reduce it.
PCTs should use the six ‘hallmarks of effective partnerships ’ provided in the guidance to check the effectiveness of their crime and disorder reduction partnerships and identify areas for improvement.
PCTs must fulfil their obligations to share information.
Getting a copy
Download Delivering safer communities: A guide to crime and disorder reduction partnerships PDF 464Kb
Last update: Wednesday, July 16, 2008