Archived decisions

PROBLEM RESOLUTION IN MULTI-AGENCY ENVIRONMENTS (PRIME)

1. PRIME standards for Problem Resolution in Multi-Agency Environments and is the Hampshire Constabulary's response to what is traditionally called Problem Oriented Policing (POP).

2. POP has been widely adopted in the United States as well as many other countries including the United Kingdom who are adopting the core principle, which is to tackle the "root cause" of crime, rather than the symptoms.

3. Hampshire is thought to be the first Force in the country to provide dedicated Problem Solving (PRIME) Coordinators within each Basic Command Unit (BCU) policing area.

4. In its effort to make a difference and improve the quality of life to those living, working and visiting Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the Force has demonstrated its commitment to the PRIME process over the last two years and the methodology underpins much of the work that is to be carried out within the "Safer" initiatives launched during the course of 2004.

5. PRIME involves a variety of different organisations working together combining their resources with am common vision to achieve reductions in crime and disorder and improving the quality of life for the two communities.

6. The Authority receives regular updates on PRIME initiatives which has continued to become mainstreams within the police service. Members were pleased to learn that Hampshire had submitted three entries to the National Home Office "Tilley Award" which recognises good problem solving projects. There were 98 entries and Hampshire was successful in getting two projects to the shortlist of 14. One of these, regarding the achievement of sustained vehicle crime reduction in "on-street" parking in Portsmouth, became one of the three winners and was also recognised by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as "good practice".

7. The principles of PRIME can be applied to much of the work conducted by the police as part of community partnerships. Problem solving is the term used to describe the adoption of an evidence based approach to crime reduction which, in practice, means:-

· Making use of data to establish the existence and extent of the problem, to analyse its nature and cause, to plan intervention measures to reduce it, and to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the response.


· Drawing on findings from existing research to inform data analysis and the choice of responses.


· Applying informed lateral thought in development innovative solutions, and using feedback in decisions to adjust, expand, abandon, and maintain initiatives.

8. By focusing the community, partners and police activity, the Force will be better positioned to provide long-term sustainable solutions. This requires the Force to fully utilise the PRIME principles and deliver solutions to the underlying causes of the problem rather than the symptoms. Effective consultation with all Constabulary community partners is paramount in achieving a successful outcome.

COUNCILLOR SIMON HAYES

CHAIRMAN

4IR240904