Sounds from the POP beat - Problem-Orientated Policing in Cheylesmore

The sectorisation of the West Midlands Police has allowed officers to work in a highly localised environment and develop a sound understanding of their constituent community. Supported by a management team that encourages innovation and fuelled by a sense of ownership, officers have begun to adopt problem solving techniques to address long term issues previously overlooked by traditional incident-led approaches. Such a strategy was introduced in the Stivichall Sector of Coventry in March 1999 as a result of escalating crime levels on one particular beat (beat 10). Analysis of crime records and command and control data identified a long-term crime trend that had previously been overlooked. Further analysis identified incidents of criminal damage and youth nuisance as a serious problem in one particular area. Increased interagency and public liaison helped to identify two targets who were believed to be behaving in a highly anti-social manner against their neighbours. Beat 10 required a focused approach to redress the rising crime trend. A traditional enforcement based strategy was developed with the intention of reducing crime and disorder in the beat 10 area. The SARA model gave structure to the project and facilitated a step by step approach: Scanning, Analysis, Response and Assessment. Although the targeting strategy initially appeared successful in reducing crime the assessment process demonstrated that youth disorder remained a problem local residents. Consequently the SARA process was reassessed and the response strategy modified to encompass a more holistic and tailored approach. After discussion with partnership agencies anti-social behaviour orders were sought in respect of both youths. Both orders were eventually granted. The initiative lasted for a year and resulted in the two targets being charged with numerous offences, in addition to the anti-social behaviour orders. Crime on beat 10 has considerably fallen, however the reduction in complaints of youth instigated disorder is less convincing. Nevertheless the initial objectives of a reduction in crime and disorder have been realised. Equally importantly "Operation Cockroach" demonstrated the impact that a focused POP initiative can have on an area blighted by the anti-social behaviour of a minority.