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Crime, Prisons and Policing

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Read on for Crime, Prisons and Policing stories:

First National Security Strategy set out by Government

The Cold War threat has been replaced by a new set of threats and risks - including international terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, conflicts and failed states, pandemics, and trans-national crime - which affect the United Kingdom directly and have the potential to undermine wider international stability. These threats and risks are driven by a diverse set of underlying factors, including: climate change; competition for energy; poverty and poor governance; demographic changes; and globalisation.

The 'National Security Strategy of the United Kingdom: Security in an Interdependent World' (Cm. 7291) sets out how the Government will address and manage both the risks and the underlying factors that drive them.

Home Office's role in reducing the risk of violent crime considered

This Report from the National Audit Office, 'Reducing the Risk of Violent Crime' (HC 241), focuses on the role of the Home Office in creating and implementing the appropriate legislative framework and co-ordinating local delivery in order to tackle violent crime.

Use of intercept as evidence recommended

The creation of this Privy Council Review, 'Privy Council Review of Intercept as Evidence: Report to the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary' (Cm. 7324), was announced on 25 July 2007 to 'advise on whether a regime to allow the use of intercepted material in court can be devised that facilitates bringing cases to trial while meeting the overriding imperative to safeguard national security'.

Prison system ‘at a crossroads’

‘HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales - Annual Report 06/07’ (HC 207) covers the period 2006-07. The Report charts the effects on prisons and prisoners of an increasingly pressurised system.

Strategic plan for crime and justice unveiled

This Paper, 'Working Together to Cut Crime and Deliver Justice - A Strategic Plan for 2008-2011' (Cm 7247), sets out a strategic vision for the UK criminal justice system up to 2011.

Offender Management Act explained

'Explanatory Notes' to the 'Offender Management Act 2007' have just been published.

The 'Offender Management Act 2007' received Royal Assent on 26th July 2007 and is designed to reduce re-offending and better protect the public.

Young black people in the criminal justice system

Young black people are over-represented at all stages of the criminal justice system; black people form 2.7% of the population aged 10-17 but represent 8.5% of that age group arrested in England and Wales. They are more likely to be stopped and searched, less likely to be given unconditional bail and more likely to be remanded in custody.

Home Office performance reviewed

This publication, Home Office Departmental Report 2007, reviews the Home Office's performance against Spending Review 2004 targets and on key objectives in 2006-07.

Serious Crime Bill human rights questions

In this Report ‘Legislative Scrutiny: Fifth progress report‘ (HL 91/HC 490), the Joint Committee on Human Rights draws attention to some human rights compatibility issues concerning the Serious Crime Bill (HL Bill 27).

The main purpose of the Bill is to introduce Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs), empowering courts to impose a wide range of prohibitions or requirements in order to prevent harm from serious crime.

NHS, armed forces and prison officers’ pay reviewed

These Reports review the salaries of the armed forces, senior civil servants, prison offers and health professionals, including doctors, dentists and nurses.

Recommendations set out in these Reports are applicable from 1 April 2007.

IRA set on political strategy

This assessment, part of the Independent Monitoring Commission's (IMC) six-monthly cycle of reporting on paramilitary activity, concludes that the IRA has undergone substantial changes and is firmly set on a political strategy.

Government responds to Carter Review on Legal Aid

The Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Legal Services Commission set out reforms to the system of procurement of legal aid services, moving towards a market-based system.

This Paper is an outline of Government responses to Lord Carter's proposals for Legal Aid Procurement.

More agencies given parenting order powers

The Police and Justice Act came into force in November 2006. The objective of the Act is to help build safer communities: measures drive forward both the police reform programme and the Respect Action Plan.

New powers proposed to fight organised crime

The Serious Crime Bill (House of Lords Bill 27) will introduce new powers that will strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to fight serious organised crime.

New powers proposed to fight organised crime

The Serious Crime Bill (House of Lords Bill 27) will introduce new powers that will strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to fight serious organised crime.

Planning system shake-up proposed

'Planning for a Sustainable Future - White Paper (Cm. 7120)' sets out the Government's detailed proposals for the reform of the planning system, in light of the recommendations made by the Barker Review of Land Use Planning and the Eddington Transport Study.


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