Aims and Objectives of the original Campaign
The main aim of the 'Get Home Safe' Campaign run by Sergeant Robert Murdie, PSNI is to develop and implement a sustainable long term partnership solution to alcohol- related violence in Belfast City Centre. The objectives are to reduce the alcohol related violence, to develop partnership approach and to reach 18-24 year olds.
Infrastructure of the addressed area
The South Belfast area of 17 Square Miles includes 311 Licensed Premises. Annually there are 180 parades/concerts/protests and major sporting events. The area comprises a major hospital, international football ground, major university (28,000 students) and Belfast City Centre. There are 18,389 crimes and 60,000 requests for Police assistance per year.
Situation before the launch of the campaign
Before the launch of the campaign in 2002 there was a 40%, increase in alcohol-related violence, an increase in licensed premises (from 271 to 311), fear of crime and rising costs of assaults (one assault costs £130 000).
The reasons for the deteriorating picture in South Belfast in 2002
• a change in the drinking culture (people had already a few drinks before coming to pubs in the Belfast City Centre)
• licensed premises became super-bars with as many people squeezed inside as possible (no tables inside encourage aggressive behaviour, fights and assaults)
• the dynamic development of the social life in South Belfast not adequately accompanied by changes in the infrastructure and transport (thousands of people coming out of the City in the early hours of the morning)
A successful partnership and its effective working practice
The deteriorating situation in South Belfast was tackled by a successful partnership of 12 main organisations. PSNI had taken initially the lead which was passed on to the Community Safety Group of Belfast City Council. PSNI works closely with the alcohol referral scheme and door supervisors. It has links to hospitals. The community groups have introduced a free bus services on Friday night. Other major partners include, Hospital and University representatives, Victim Support, Federation of Retail and Licensed Trade, Eastern Health and Social Services Board etc.)
Six major hot spots were identified and increased PSNI resources were deployed there in the period between Thursday and Saturday 11pm-3am. A good working practice by police and other partners (thorough training for officers, early intervention, strong police presence at the hotspots, use of media, marketing campaign - radio, TV, posters, beer mats, informing magistrates) contributed to the sustained success of the campaign.
Input of individual Partners
EHSB: Alcohol Referrals Scheme. Psychiatric nurses work with those who commit assaults. Out of 35 people referred only 3 reoffended.
Regulation of Door Supervisors: special training for them provided by colleges of FHE
Radio link 52 pubs are linked with the police and can monitor the trouble makers
Privately funded CCTV cameras
Hospital linked with radio and CCTV
Community/church groups: a free bus service church group on Friday
Emergency Contact Points
The results
There has been 39% reduction in assaults 25% reduction in serious assaults (£20 million saving), 25% reduction in number of persons with serious injuries seeking victim support.
Obstacles
Irresponsible licensing practices,
Long entertainment hours
Insufficient transport and police resources.
A new law introducing 24 hour open licensed premises
Need to lobby for sensible laws
Partnership needs to be constantly motivated and stimulated
Effective leadership
Future tasks
Lobbying for/against new legislation
Linking with community safety strategies
Learn from other cities
Long terms solutions
Civic leadership - working groups,
Addressing quality of life issues
Responsible licensing practices
Effective entertainment infrastructure/transport provision
Sustained partnership
More CCTV cameras
::Now that you have explored the background of the project choose your role from the following - each student chooses one role
