Lancashire Criminal Justice Board - Monthly Update
July 2006
Cumbria and Lancashire Merger
Due to the Government notification that the Police Force Merger for Cumbria and Lancashire has been called off, likewise the meeting set for the 28 July to progress the merger of Cumbria and Lancashire Criminal Justice Boards was also cancelled. The findings from the initial comparison template will still be considered to establish if any changes to the Board's structure etc should be made.
Staff Questionnaire
The findings do reflect a general lack of awareness by CJS agency staff of the LCJB and its priorities. The LCJB Confidence Group is considering alternative means of staff engagement, to support the current newsletter, working together booklet etc, in order to improve awareness.
Victim Support, Lancashire
Victim Support, Lancashire were subject to an Inspection w/c 17.7.06 with initial feedback showing favourable findings. It should be noted, however, that the Government is looking towards creating regional Victim Support Units.
Crime and Disorder Act Review
The Review looks towards a more strategic approach being taken via Local Strategic Partnerships (LSP's) with operational issues being picked up at district level. This presents difficulties in Lancashire where each District presently has its own LSP. Further developments expected next Spring.
Special Measures Training
Training programme in hand for volunteers and ushers to deal with people requiring special measures in court.
Prolific and Priority Offenders
Local Protocol now developed identifying agency responsibilities for dealing with Prolific and Priority Offenders in Lancashire.
LCJB working relationships with Local Editors
Key local editors are being invited to attend this year's local Justice Awards Ceremony and a meeting is also being arranged to develop the Board's working relationship with them.
Her Majesty's Courts Service
Decisions have now been made and agreed with the Lord Chancellor on the new 22 Area structure for HMCS administrative areas. It is intended for restructure to be in place on 1 April 2007.
LCJB Newsletter - Issue 6
The latest LCJB Newsletter is currently being produced by the LCJB Communications Officer (Cherry Bond) with expected circulation end of September.
Core Consultation Group Meeting - 26.9.06
This is the Board's key stakeholder group meeting. It is used to consult with those key agencies in relation to the Board's targets, priorities and initiatives and seek feedback in relation to same. The themed presentation for this event is Mentally Disordered Offenders/Victims.
Justice Awards 2006
Lancashire has submitted a record number of nominations for this year's Justice Awards (66), with submissions being sent in from every criminal justice agency. The National Awards will be presented on the 23 November 2006.
Legal Consultation Group
The LCJB has set up a Legal Consultation Group to ensure appropriate engagement with the judiciary and legal profession. The first meeting has been set for the 21 September 2006.
Flu Pandemic - Multi Agency Planning
CJS agencies have been asked to develop emergency plans by the end of the year to prepare for any future outbreak of pandemic influenza.
Criminal Justice System Reform
Notification received of a reform of the Home Office and associated review of the CJS which stems from a Capability Review of the Home Office. Areas to be covered are contained within an Action Plan with the intention to introduce all by 2009. It covers issues relating to Victim and Witness care, rules that don't privilege the offender over the victim, fairer sentencing, compliance and enforcement, community justice and visible, responsive and accountable policing.