Following the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, police forces and local authorities have been responsible for formulating and implementing Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategies.
Under the Crime and Disorder Act, the Responsible Authorities are required to:
AUDIT
- Undertake an audit of crime and disorder in their area
- Prepare an analysis of that audit
- Publish a report of the audit
CONSULT
- Consult the public about the crime and disorder audit to establish whether the priorities identified in the audit match public perception
STRATEGY
- Develop and implement a strategy for tackling crime and disorder which is based on the audit and consultation findings
- Agree objectives and set targets
Section 17 of the Police Reform Act 2002 requires that, from 2003, Police Authorities and Fire Authorities also become Responsible Authorities. In 2004, Primary Care Trusts were also required to share this responsibility.