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LCJB Logo Lancashire Criminal Justice Board - Monthly Update

December 2006

SAFE Centre

Members received a presentation from Det Ch Insp Cath Thundercloud from Preston DHQ to raise awareness of the sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) centre located within Preston Hospital and the services that are provided by that unit to victims of sexual assault or rape. The centre opened in 2002 and provides 24/7 service. Home Office funding has recently been obtained to set up a case tracking facility within the unit and for development of an IT system for intelligence gathering purposes. It is hoped this will improve attrition and detection rates for this category of offence.

Specialist Domestic Violence Courts Roll-out

GONW funding has been made available to appoint a Project Manager to roll-out the specialist domestic violence courts programme in Lancashire . Specialist Domestic Violence Courts Roll-out.

Community Cohesion

A number of events were being considered to address community cohesion, raise awareness of the Board and build on public confidence in general.

Community Penalty Breaches

Current performance in relation to breach of community penalty targets is a concern. The Board sponsor, Richard Foster, has been in communication with the Board seeking clarification on what areas were being addressed to improve on current performance. A briefing paper is being prepared to identify what actions are being put in place to improve performance.

Carter Review/Means Testing

Carolyn Schofield from the Legal Services Commission updated members in relation to the Carter Review, a Government commissioned review being undertaken by Lord Justice Carter to establish how to get Legal Aid expenditure controlled and clearly identified. The Review is still in its consultation stage with implementation expected in 2008.
Means Testing was introduced from 2-10-06, whereby the availability of legal aid has been removed for those who are able to pay, as dictated by a 'means test'.

Victim Support, Lancashire

Discussion still ongoing regarding the creation of a single national charity status for Victim Support. Lancashire and Cumbria likely to be managed as one new area. Pilots for the introduction of Victim Care Units commenced in October in Nottingham, Salford and North Yorkshire , providing a 24 hour helpline for victims.

National Offender Management Unit

The second reading of the NOMS Bill is currently going through Parliament. If passed, this would introduce local based Trusts to be implemented in three parts:

1. Probation Trust establishment
2. Private Prisons to be brought in line with public prisons with review of punishment issues
3. Young people and prisons

Government Review of CDRP 's

Guidance from the results of the Review awaited with required implementation areas to be addressed from April 2007. There will no longer be a requirement for 3 year audits.

LCJB Chair

Gill Hague indicated her intention to resign as chair of the Board, having undertaken the role for two years. A new Chair would be appointed to take over with effect from 1.4.07

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