National Community Safety Network Conference September 2013 Middlesex University Nick Payne

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK Representing the case for a better deal for rural service provision Exchanging useful and relevant information Developing and sharing best practice

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK Why do we need a Rural Crime Network? Fighting rural crime effectively requires:- building effective partnerships across sectors better sharing of information & best practice new mechanisms for engaging rural communities building resilience within rural communities to improve deterrence and prevention a strategy beyond just farm and wildlife crime applied in an appropriate local context

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK What objectives would it have? Act as a think tank on rural crime strategy Facilitate region by region comparison of operational techniques in rural areas, to seek out and share best practice Develop and target good publicity to encourage a stronger local response from the rural public

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK Objectives contd. Facilitate a national discussion between relevant rural partners and national organisations/watch groups Act as a forum to consider effective Community Safety initiatives across rural areas.

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK Who might be our partners? Network needs to be multi sectoral and multi agency Strategic group with strong links to top policy and decision makers Committed partners with P&CCs and RSN: Countryside Alliance Farmers Weekly magazine National Community Safety Network NFU Mutual

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK Who else might be involved? Association of PCCs and ACPO Country Landowners Association/NFU Fire and Rescue Services National Association of Local Councils National reps of Watch organisations/Crimestoppers Local Government Association National Federation of Small Businesses Action with Communities in Rural England - (ACRE) etc.

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK What are the benefits? A forum which sits outside of but remains complimentary to the objectives of PCCs and their Association/ACPO Enables confidential information/intelligence sharing to continue across police personnel/ACPO without risk of compromise RSN already has strong established links/credibility with many rural organisations & partners – early momentum assured.

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK Benefits Contd. Potential commercial sponsorship – low cost, low risk for many benefits accruing Opportunity to engage across web based knowledge hub as well as through meetings Powerful alliance of rural stakeholders and interests through which policy/practice can be refined, honed & shared by practitioners/professionals Direct link to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Rural Services – annually?

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK What might it look like? Police Forces PCCs Rural Crime Network

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK Potential Issues Relationship with wider function of the APCCs & ACPO? – not a deal breaker Funding concerns for rural policing – analysis/lobbying for resources - where does this role best sit? Rural crime is not a key issue for every P&CC Resourcing the Network to make it sustainable

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK Summary and suggested next steps? Establish a steering group Draft and consult on some terms of reference Identify a Chair Invite other potential key partners incl. NCSN Scoping meeting – late 2013? Agree an initial work programme

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK David Inman