Bristol will receive additional funding of over £93,000 as one of 60 areas across the country that have signed up to become new Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Pioneer Areas, delivering a key recommendation of the Casey Review. The new pioneer areas will each appoint a dedicated person - a Neighbourhood Crime and Justice (NCJ) Adviser to build public confidence in the police and courts by ensuring that the public have a greater say in the way their streets are policed and how offenders are dealt with.
During the visit Louise Casey met with representatives from Bristol Magistrates' Court and toured the witness facilities which offer greater protection to those giving evidence.
Louise Casey said:
"Increasing public confidence is essential in the fight against crime as crime can only be tackled effectively when the police, the public and the criminal justice system work together. The most important thing is that victims and witnesses are protected by the authorities and supported by the community.
"I'm delighted that we are investing an additional £93,000 in Bristol as one of the new Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Pioneer Areas and look forward to seeing real changes on the ground."
Louise Casey also met a range of local professionals committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour including the founder of Challenging Anti-Social Behaviour Together (CABOT), a voluntary organisation set up by residents to support people living with anti-social behaviour. She also heard the experiences of a group of witnesses who gave evidence in court which resulted in the judge granting a Crack House Closure Order for a house in north Bristol.
