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In February's NCSN Update we detailed the excellent work of the Network following its restructure after the termination of the Home Office grant. The update was by Policy Director Andy Mills, who emphasised Policy developments, new links and allegiances, revealing how the network is involved in consultation to influence national policy. All of which was positive and encouraging. However, a concern was the assessment of the year ahead. The view was that Community Safety practitioners would face a range of challenges in 2009, because there would be an expectation that performance targets would still be achieved and reviews delivered on schedule i.e. business as normal, despite the looming recession. Andy predicted that this would impact upon public bodies leading to cuts in funding, possible job loses with potentially more crime and greater demands upon depleted resources.

Since then the situation has worsened. The Banking collapse has changed everyone’s economic circumstances. Even Gordon Brown stated that we are in depression, not recession and optimistic predictions suggest no improvements for five years or more. What is the Government doing about this? There is a range of free support or businesses such as Business Link's campaign to 'Keep your business fighting fit', however in many situations this advice has come too late. On the 4th March the Government Equalities Office issued a timely document offering advice to women on how to deal with the recession, as they are likely to be; “particularly vulnerable during economic recession... as they may face threats from violent and abusive partners”. The Attorney General, Lady Scotland, has also warned that Domestic Abuse will rise as the financial situation worsens. It is clearly time to look at the bigger picture. There are significant arguments to link crime to recession. The last recession peaked in 1985, but crime increased until the mid 1990's. It was around this period that fledgling ideas of Community Safety emerged, which may have contributed to a fall in crime.

Certainly we at NCSN hope so and see that now is a time for investment in crime and disorder prevention. Realistically though, we must accept that at a time when we can expect increased crime or at least a heightened public fear of crime, resources are being cut. Practitioners know that all too often Community Safety is seen by many agencies’ as a luxury that can be cut back when belts need to be tightened. Negative media articles about the recession eat away at public confidence, for example press reports that thousands of police officers are to lose their jobs as crime is on the increase. Timothy Brain, Chief Constable of Gloucestershire, is reported to have said resources were being weakened at a time when it is essential to “hold the line”. We at NCSN could not agree more. Whilst we all diligently go about our routine activities the 'mainstreaming' of Community Safety is going to face the acid test. This is the time of great need for our services and we must be prepared for that demand and to echo Mr Brain, 'hold the line'. It is also time for the Network to maintain its claim of being the voice of the practitioner, by influencing and representing your views and concerns throughout 2009 and the uncharted years ahead.

Grant Ardern, Vice-Chair of NCSN