Achievements
2006 to 2007
More offences brought to justice:
A total of 13,166 offenders were brought to justice in Bedfordshire last year, so by March 2007 the Government target for 2006-2007 of 13,045 had been exceeded.
Tackling persistent offenders:
Special measures are in place to target the small number of people responsible for a large amount of crime and misbehaviour. To tackle the problem criminal justice agencies in Bedfordshire work with local community safety partnerships to identify the individuals involved. Police then focus special attention on these people, monitoring their behaviour and movements. If they commit a crime and are arrested they are now fast tracked through the courts so that thy are dealt with as speedily as possible.
Fewer ineffective trials:
Logjams in court hearings cost public money and cause frustration and anxiety for witnesses who are kept waiting. Bedfordshire courts are speeding up the delivery of justice, and Crown Prosecution Service staff now work alongside police so specialist legal knowledge is used early on in the case to avoid later delays. Bedfordshire has cut the number of ineffective hearings in the magistrates courts (which deal with 95% of all criminal cases) to 19.6%, against a Government target of 21.5% for 2006-2007. At Luton Crown Court, which deals with the most serious cases, the rate is down to 9.2% against a target of 15%.
Fine enforcement:
Faster action is being taken when people don’t pay fines immediately. Non-payment results in a swift reminder. But if a fine defaulter refuses to pay, an arrest warrant will be executed by the local HM Courts Service enforcement team. Last year saw a further improvement in timely fine collection and by the period January - March 2007 Bedfordshire achieved a 115% rate against the Government's target of 96%.
Increased public confidence:
As local criminal justice improves, public confidence increases. In 2003 a survey of local confidence showed a score of 36% - now its increased to 44%, against a target figure of 42%. Bedfordshire’s Criminal Justice Board is determined to raise public confidence further – all agencies now work together through the Board to ensure that criminal justice runs smoothly and effectively.
For further details please refer to the National Criminal Justice Board website.