Latest Blog Posts

Property crime takes its toll
I’m not convinced that harsher penalties are necessarily the most effective response to minor thefts. Even when these offences are committed by an organised crime group, those doing the actual stealing are unlikely to be those making the most profit. However, fully resourced Safer Neighbourhood Teams were, in my opinion, the single most important and effective policing development of the last 40 years – whether full funding can be restored in 2015 does, however, seem unlikely.

Why has crime fallen?
New analysis undertaken by the report’s authors idntified the ageing population, changes in income and decreased alcohol consumption as factors reducing crime.A review of past research indicated that consumer confidence and inflation also seem to have contributed to crime reduction.

If I were justice secretary…
The purpose of this blog series is to stimulate a debate about where our criminal justice system should be heading. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what the justice priorities should be.

Big drop in temporary release hinders resettlement
People are released on temporary licence in order to attend interviews for jobs and accommodation, organise training opportunities and rebuild and maintain relationships with families. By introducing this new restrictive approach to temporary release, the MoJ is seriously obstructing the efforts of the new Community Rehabilitation Companies to reduce reoffending.

A good life for people with complex needs
While overcoming difficulties was a part of their journey towards the good life, goals such as a home and healthy relationships were as important to these individuals as most people who don’t face their challenges. The report is enlivened by a range of collages which were the key tool used by participants to express their aspirations.

Is the drug strategy working?
Drugs remains such a politically sensitive issue that an honest review which highlights successes and failures with the same prominence seems very unlikely, irrespective of which political parties are in power. Until we can have an open and honest debate about drugs in this country, it will be difficult for us to have a truly effective drug strategy.
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