15 November 2007
A major milestone in the country's criminal justice system (CJS) was launched today with events in Birmingham and London.
The Criminal Justice System Strategic Plan (2008-2011) outlines the Government's vision for the future and establishes the framework for Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJBs) to say how they will reduce crime and re-offending in their area.
The Plan seeks to:
- Continue to reduce crime year on year;
- Increase public confidence in the fairness and effectiveness of the CJS;
- Increase victim satisfaction with the police and victim and witness satisfaction with the CJS;
- Improve effectiveness and efficiency of the CJS in bringing offences to justice;
- Increase recovery of criminal assets;
- Ensure consistent collection, analysis and use of good quality ethnicity data to identify and address race disproportionality in the CJS; and
- Ensure offenders carry out the orders of the court.
In Birmingham, Ministry of Justice Minister, David Hanson MP, launched the Plan at the West Midlands LCJB Beacon Approach event for key practitioners.
He said:
"Crime has fallen by 44 per cent since 1995 representing 8.4 million fewer crimes committed. The Plan published today will continue our drive to reduce crime still further.
"One of the central planks of our vision is for local people to develop community justice according to their own priorities.
"It is important to involve local people as that is more likely to yield results and build confidence in our justice system."
Mr. Hanson launched the Plan in Birmingham after visiting the new Community Justice Court which began operating last week. It's one of 13 community justice initiatives around the country that deals with minor offences and anti social behaviour committed in Lozells and Handsworth.
The project gives local people a unique opportunity to shape the way community justice develops in their area. It ensures that residents have the tools they need to make their lives better such as being able to list the types of crimes to be prioritised by the police and the court and identifying tasks for offenders on unpaid work to carry out.
Notes to Editors
- The CJS Strategic Plan, booklet and Written Ministerial Statement are available on the Criminal Justice System website.
- Further information on the Plan or Birmingham Community Justice Court can be obtained from Lisa Brett on 020 7210 8722 or Louise Rawlinson on 0121 250 6146