Staffordshire County Council launched its first Community Safety Strategy.
The launch took place at a conference attended by more than 80 representatives from organisations across the County, including Staffordshire Police, the Fire and Rescue Service, Community Safety Partnerships, the Youth Offending Service, Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Criminal Justice Board and the Probation Service.
The strategy, which covers the period 2005-08, highlights the areas where the County Council will work with its partners to combat crime and disorder and its causes.
What they say
John Taylor, Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader said: "Crime and disorder is not just a matter for the police. Many agencies and the voluntary sector have a part to play. This Community Safety Strategy sets out clearly what the County Council plans to do to tackle disorder and improve the quality of life for people across Staffordshire."
The areas where the County Council will play a key role include:
Initiatives to help combat alcohol and substance abuse, especially among young people.
Ensuring items such as alcohol and fireworks are sold responsibly.
Setting up a network of over 500 Consumer Watchdog volunteers.
Making sure that streets are well lit so people feel safe at night.
Reducing problems caused by irresponsible driving – particularly speeding.
Making contact with "hard to reach" young people through the Youth Service.
Working with partner organisations in a variety of ways, including developing solutions to tackle countywide issues, such as domestic violence.
Councillor Taylor added: "In general Staffordshire is a safe place to live. The public’s fear of crime tends to be greater than actual levels of crime. However, we must not be complacent. We all have an important part to play in improving people’s quality of life and tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour."
