CRIME AND DISORDER ACT 1998

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 changed the way that many agencies work. It meant that the approach to tackling issues of Crime and Disorder changed radically. The 1998 Act saw the advent of Crime and Reduction/ Community Safety Partnerships. This resulted in a change in the way that matters of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour were addressed. It deviated from the traditional idea that the Police were responsible for most of the issues and put it in the hands of a number of partner agencies. The idea being that a multi-agency approach would enhance the ability to solve problems by using a mix of expertise.

Each Local Authority must have in place a Crime and Disorder Partnership. The Local Authority, Police, Fire and Rescue Service and Health Service are all obligatory partners. A number of others have responsibilities to the Partnerships. The partnerships include a variety of organisations that have an interest in Crime and Disorder within their area.

See the Home Office website for further information on the Crime and Disorder Act .