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Tough on Crime or Tough on the Causes of Crime? An Evaluation of Labour's Crime and Disorder Legislation

NCJ Number
178981
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: 1999 Pages: 7-24
Author(s)
Barry Loveday
Date Published
1999
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article demonstrates, with particular reference to young offenders, that the main aim of the Labour Government’s criminal justice reforms is to change offending behavior and thereby reduce crime.
Abstract
The Labour Government was determined to achieve a balance between the welfare of offenders, punishment, and protection of the public. The Crime and Disorder Act includes provision for reparation orders, action plans, detention and training orders, Anti-Social Behavior Orders, child curfew schemes and Reprimand and Final Warning Schemes; but it also includes Parenting Orders, which are designed to help parents control the behavior of their children. To assist the Government’s commitment to reducing delays in dealing with persistent young offenders, the Act also contains new statutory time limits. Youth Offending Teams were set up locally to provide programs to support offenders and to stop offending at an early age. All actions emphasized coordination of the various agencies involved in youth justice. In future, the police, the probation service, social services and members of the Youth Offending Teams will work together to prepare strategies for reducing local crime and disorder. Notes