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Eleven projects to promote community safety across London have been short listed to compete for the top prizes in London's annual Problem Solving Awards this February. A separate category of award, the Safer Travel Problem Solving Award, will be contested this year with four projects vying for top prize. The Problem Solving Awards celebrate initiatives that develop problem oriented policing techniques - in essence projects that are responsive to local needs, are people focused and address the causes of crime, not just the consequences. The projects are conceived and put into practice in partnership between local police and communities. The awards are a collaboration between the Metropolitan Police Authority, the Metropolitan Police Service and the Safer London Foundation, the independent charity that aims to reduce crime, promote community cohesion and develop safer neighbourhoods through innovative community led crime reduction projects. Among the short listed entries are projects that: reduce the harm of an open cannabis market in a local area; make children's journeys to school safer and healthier; combat local anti-social behaviour; tackle the problem of robbery at a large central London venue; address the problem of criminal damage on a bus route; and tackle the problem of dangerous and nuisance animals. Richard Sumray, MPA member leading on problem oriented policing, said: "The Metropolitan Police Authority welcomes the high quality of the entries from across London. The awards recognise the achievements of partnership projects between the police and local communities to reduce crime and disorder, and by showcasing the most successful we hope to spread effective ideas across the boroughs and contribute towards making the capital a safer place for everyone. I'm pleased the quality of the applications is improving each year as Safer Neighbourhoods policing becomes ever more firmly embedded in communities. "The whole point of problem oriented policing is that it focuses on addressing the causes of crime rather than just the symptoms, stressing a partnership approach with other agencies and local communities. The MPA is actively encouraging the MPS to develop this proactive, innovative approach even further and looks forward to more of our communities benefiting from the increased sharing of best practice." Tony Shepherd, Chief Executive of the Safer London Foundation, said: "This year we have seen some very exciting and innovative applications which demonstrate the very positive partnerships being developed between police officers and local community groups. The Safer London Foundation is committed to making London a safer place to live, work and visit and we are proud to be involved in the annual Problem Solving Awards." Tim Godwin, Assistant Commissioner Territorial Policing, said: "Following the successful early roll-out of Safer Neighbourhoods teams across London, the MPS is continuing with its firm commitment to problem solving policing by working closely with local communities and our partners to tackle signal crimes and anti-social behaviour to improve the lives of the people of London and reduce the fear of crime. Like last year, the entries for the 2008 Problem Solving Awards provide just some excellent examples of the work that is going on across London to improve the lives of citizens and visitors alike." http://cms.met.police.uk/news/ |
