The UK's Respect Agenda is a better model for dealing with crime

For a few years, I've paid attention to revitalization (called "regeneration") in the United Kingdom, because they are doing a number of interesting things. Alas, one of the leaders of these efforts, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, has been caught up in scandal first around an illicit affair with a staffer, and then in some mucking about with Phillip Anshutz, whose many assets not only include DC's Examiner newspaper, but the Millennium Dome in London, which he is hoping to makeover into a casino.

Nonetheless, efforts continue. The Home Office part of the government deals with internal U.K. issues, including crime. These days they are focusing on implementing what they call the "Respect" agenda, to reduce crime and anti-social behavior, both in the immediate term, as well as long term.

The Respect Action Plan has six main strands:

-- Supporting families
-- A new approach to the most challenging families
-- Improving behaviour and attendance in schools
-- Activities for children and young people
-- Strengthening communities
-- Effective enforcement and community justice.

These are described in more detail in the Action Plan as well as on the "What's Being Done" page.

This strikes me as a more comprehensive approach to dealing with a "crime emergency." Takes longer, but will have more impact over the long run.

Index Keywords: public-safety