Scottish Borders Council

Agenda item

Safer Communities Update and Key Activities

To consider report by Safer Communities and Justice Manager, Graham Jones. (Copy attached).

Minutes:

There had been circulated copies of the Safer Communities Performance Report covering the period 1 April 2017 to 31 December 2017.  Mr Graham Jones, Safer Communities and Community Service Manager highlighted the key points in his report:

 

6.2       Priority 1 – Reduce the level and impact of Gender Based Violence through effective partnership working.  Referrals to the Domestic Abuse Advocacy Service (DAAS) were on an upward trend and had increased 65% when compared to the same period last year.  This increase could be attributed to the new referral mechanism from Police Scotland and an increased awareness among client groups who self-referred and among referring partners.  The DAAS continued to maintain their target of responding to referrals by the Police within 24 hours on 90% of occasions, and within 48 hours 100% of the time for referrals from other agencies.   A Modern Apprentice position for the DAAS service was being developed which would lead to the completion of a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 3 in Health and Social Care.  It was noted that the Board would receive a presentation at the next meeting on gender based violence. 

 

6.3       Priority 2 – Reduce the level and impact of Substance Misuse through effective partnership working.  Under the Best Bar None scheme, 23 premises were being considered for awards and accreditation was underway.   The Safer Communities Team had supplied information to the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership for inclusion in the submission to inform development of the new Licensing Board policy document.  The Partnership had also delivered the initial phase of the underage drinking campaign promoting attitudinal change to those people who supplied alcohol to under 18s and highlighting the new legislation.

 

6.4       Priority 3 – Reduce the level and impact of Crime and Antisocial Behaviour through effective partnership working.    There had been a reduction of 8.9% in people being monitored for antisocial behaviour which correlated to the 6% increase in early interventions undertaken by  anti-social behaviour partners.  There was now a greater awareness of the mediation service which was returning an increase of 26.5% in referrals to the service.  Plans were in place to resurrect the Safe T programme designed for school pupils before they completed secondary school education and was a continuation from Crucial Crew in the safety messages and practical life skills it aimed to provide.

 

6.5       Priority 4 – Reduce the level and impact of poor driver behaviour through effective partnership working.   Antisocial Driving would be brought under Drivewise and the content of Crucial Crew and the re-establishment of Safe T would have road safety components.   The Institute of Advanced Motorists intended running a road safety event at Galashiels Fire Station during April 2018. 

           

6.6       Priority 5 – Reduce the level and impact of accidents in the home through effective partnership working.   Through Scottish Borders Alert, safety messages have been circulated highlighting the dangers that toddlers and young children could be exposed to in the home resulting in accidental falls, poisoning, chocking, strangulation, burns and scalds.  This was an area for further development.         

 

6.7       The Chairman thanked Mr Jones for his comprehensive report which provided  detail for the Board to consider the whole issue of community safety across the Scottish Borders.  

 

            DECISION

            NOTED:

            (a)        The report; and

            (b)       That the theme for the next meeting would be Gender Based Violence. 

 

Supporting documents:

 

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