Rochford & Castle Point Community Safety Partnership (CSP)
The Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is a statutory body required under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to work together in formulating and implementing strategies to tackle local crime and disorder.
The partnership is led by:
- Rochford District Council
- Castle Point Borough Council
- Essex Police
- Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
- Rochford & Castle Point Clinical Commissioning Group
- National Probation Service
- National Health Service
Terms of Reference
Meeting Minutes
Priorities for 24/25
Every year an action plan is produced that sets out key areas of work. This year 24/25 the priorities are:
- Prevent - The prevent priority focuses on the partnership using the available crime data and information partners have from their work in the community to tackle emerging trends and prevent against them. Our approach involves close collaboration with community organisations, youth groups, schools, local authorities, Essex Police and the Fire Service to raise awareness and strengthen the community’s resilience. By promoting and fostering a strong community connection we can provide a safe environment for all
- Response - The response priority is dedicated to ensuring prompt and effective reaction to the incidents that threaten community safety. The partnership has acknowledged the importance of coordinated efforts among, emergency service, local authorities and community organisations to manage and mitigate the impact of unforeseen events. The partnership aims to reduce harm, provide timely support to those affected and restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
- Promote - The promote priority focuses on raising awareness of the work that all members of partnership are doing. It also encourages active community engagement in safety initiatives. This priority aims to educate residents about the importance of community and personal safety, highlighting available resources and encouraging participation in local programs. We aim to promote through campaigns, workshops, community events.
Safer Streets Projects
Our Community Safety Partnership (CSP), in partnership with Police, Fire, Crime Commissioner for Essex have secured Home Office Safer Streets funding and are delivering the below projects across Rochford District:
Taxi Ambassadors – Taxi marshalls have been utilised during June and July 2024 following the Euro Football games. Taxi marshalls are proven to increase public safety and reassurance within the district, reduce ASB and contribute to valuable intelligence. The marshalls will provide order and control within the taxi rank whilst waiting for access to a licensed vehicle. At the end of the football games, the majority of those watching the games will make their way home placing pressure on the transportation hub within the district and increasing the risk of crime, disorder and violence. The use of taxi marshals will assist with controlling the crowds whilst waiting for their transport home, reducing ASB and a reassuring presence for nighttime economy users.
Bar ‘n’ Bus – Bar ‘n’ bus are a well respected charity in Hullbridge and have a longstanding reputation for engagement within Hullbridge and the surrounding areas. They will engage with young people throughout school holidays with positive activities, including community development activities, art workshops and litter picks.
Stronger Together – The project ‘Stronger Together’ is an interactive theatre performance organised by Theatre Inspiring Change, focusing on behavioural and attitudinal changes towards women and girls. The performances include anti-harassment and include additional performances for parents/carers and senior leaderships teams in schools. The company builds on partnerships with local community groups, expand this contact to the wider community, and work with a diverse cohort of women, men, and intergenerational women to engage them in conversations and workshops about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Women’s Safety Charter - The project will provide a purpose-built charter for Rochford District and will help communities and businesses roll out campaigns on women’s safety. They will also provide culture-centred training to implement and sustain positive environments and experiences for women. A Women’s Safety Charter is a collaborative project from Councils within a town or city which recognises that certain male behaviours must be addressed.
Not In My Neighbourhood – Essex Police anti-burglary initiative – With the increase in the number of housing projects and the ever-increasing population, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis the country is experiencing, it has become evidence that burglary and robbery offences have the potential to increase. This increase is evident in crime figures across the District and neighbouring areas. ‘Not in my Neighbourhood’ is the best method to bring together simple crime reducing steps to be focused in a way that looks to safeguard victims, but also deterring further offences at the same time.
CCTV
In November 2023 Closed Circuit Television System (CCTV) was installed in Rayleigh High Street. The CCTV is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, by a team of full-time staff. Direct visual and audio links are maintained with the Police so that they can see an incident as it happens.
Only the Council and the Police can view the tapes, which are only ever released under the terms of the Code of Practice.
The installation of CCTV has seen a significant reduction in crime and improved security, making Rayleigh a safer environment for people to live, work, shop and visit.