Crime Reduction Partnerships
Working with health services to reduce crime and disorder
By Crime Concern
There is a growing body of evidence about the links between crime and health. Crime can and often does damage health. Most obviously this is in the form of physical injuries such as those arising from violent attack. A wide variety of crimes can also affect the mental health of victims, both in the short and long-term. Crime can have further long-term health impacts on victims and those close to them, for example through increasing stress, smoking, drinking or drug use. Fear of crime can also limit people’s lifestyles in a way which is detrimental to their health.
In addition, there is a clearly established relationship between mental illness and violence, whether against the self or other people. A significant proportion of young offenders, sentenced or remanded in custody, have been found to have some degree of mental health disorder.
All this has clear implications for the demands placed on the NHS. Health and crime reduction partners share common interests e.g. in reducing the damaging effects of drug and alcohol misuse.
Health Authorities have a legal obligation to be a part of Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) under the Crime & Disorder Act 1998.
This briefing is designed to support this process. The sections outline:
-
the structure of the NHS
-
major plans and initiatives that shape the health agenda and that CRDPs will want to key into
-
key areas for joint working
The paper draws on case studies and offers pointers to further information.
It has been prepared by Alison Mather, Sarah Williams and Rosie Chadwick, Crime Concern. It has been produced as part of the Partnership Support Programme (PSP), delivered by Crime Concern and Nacro in the government regions and Wales, and funded by the Home Office.
Getting a copy
Working with health services to reduce crime and disorder - Crime Concern 
PDF 520Kb
About Nacro and Crime Concern
Nacro and Crime Concern both have extensive experience in working with local partnerships to tackle problems of crime and disorder. They are at the forefront of developing community safety practice and translating new approaches into practical measures.
In particular they:
-
offer partnerships help, advice and training in auditing, consultation, strategy development and implementation
-
provide monitoring and evaluation services
-
promote best practice
-
manage a range of crime reduction projects, many of which focus on tackling youth offending and youth victimisation through restorative justice, mentoring and youth inclusion approaches
-
provide implementation support for other major national programmes, including the Home Office Reducing Burglary Initiative.
Last update: 02/09/03