New neighbourhood crime and justice pioneer areas launched

Sixty regions across the country have today signed up to become new neighbourhood crime and justice pioneer areas.

The new pioneer areas - supported by £5.6 million in 2008/09 and 2009/10 – will each appoint a dedicated, salaried Neighbourhood Crime and Justice (NCJ) Co-ordinator.

This person will ensure that Community Payback in the local community is visible and tough, that victims of crime are supported to reduce re-offending and that the public know the rights that the new national Policing Pledge gives them.

People in St. Helens have told me that the criminal justice system can feel remote and appear more interested in supporting offenders than punishing them or protecting communities. I know many of my colleagues in constituencies across the country have heard similar views.

This why the Government is listening to you, and taking determined action such as this – providing a dedicated resource to act on the public’s behalf to make sure that justice is done and seen to be done in our local communities.

Along with the Home Secretary and Justice Secretary, I am grateful to all of the sixty pioneer areas for signing up, and I wish this pioneer scheme the very best.