We have seen them producing a real impact on crime and disorder reduction, which is very encouraging. Others have invested in the development of structures and systems to facilitate partnership working but have yet to progress to real outcomes. The problem-solving approach has long been established as a successful method of combating crime and disorder. It produces sustainable results rather than the quick fixes associated with the treatment of symptoms commonly seen with reactive policing. The Inspection team was encouraged by the increased use of this approach by partnerships, although it has yet to be ingrained within the culture of either police or local authority service delivery.
Effective problem solving approaches require the proper use of intelligence and analysis .
More inroads need to be made in both these areas, particularly in respect of joint agency efforts. An integrated approach in tackling crime and disorder reduction is suggested. These interventions need to be assessed in both the short and long term with joint action examined at every opportunity. Partnerships have developed by varying degrees but all need to build in the capacity to sustain efforts by the improved management of resources, use of intelligence and information sharing, joint training to maximise on each others' skills and to promote good practice. An Agenda for Action Central government has set the scene crime and disorder reduction is of paramount importance.