Role of Community Warden
Background
The role was launched in February 2004, to deal with a complex range of social problems, including anti social behaviour and high crime levels, predominantly criminal damage and drug related problems.
Purpose
The purpose of the role was to establish a neighbourhood warden for the Local Authority to act as a link between the community, Board of Commissioners and the community police team. The role of the warden is to prevent crime, act as a mentor to children and as a go between in tenant disputes.
Funding
The role is funded by the Local Authority.
Community Safety Implications
The objective is to participate with partner organisations in the reduction of crime and disorder, preventing offending by young offenders, and impacting on the connection between drugs, alcohol and offending.
Tackling Crime
The role tackles a wide range of crime and issues relating to community safety and involvement, especially; youth offending, drug issues, anti social behaviour and social exclusion.
Community and Partnership Working
Good liaison with the residents, local authority tenants, and the police has helped this role to develop. There have been reward schemes relating to young offenders which have resulted in some not re-offending. The community has become more proactive in tackling crime and anti social behaviour by reporting incidents to the warden. There has also been a reduction in problem tenant behaviour, such as illegal substance abuse, fighting, abusive behaviour and other anti social behaviour. With regards to partnership working, a protocol for information sharing and working practices has been drawn up between the police and the local authority.
Results – Local impact
Since the role has been in place there has been a reduction in calls to the police and a drop in anti social behaviour complaints. Many residents have reported a big increase in satisfaction with regards their quality of life. An ASB policy has been compiled and put into practice. Leaflets have been compiled relating to ASB, Noise Nuisance and the Tree and High Hedge Act all explaining how these matters can be dealt with. The first ASBO was awarded on the Isle of Man due to evidence collated from the role with a number of ABC’s also entered into.
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