Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Despite its low profile, those on the trip found it very informative. We were given an insight into the approach to policing in a major metropolis. As one need not reinvent the wheel, police in London had copied many initiatives from Amsterdam and, particularly, Chicago, which has very strong community policing arrangements. One of the most significant community policing activities in London is tackling the public's perception that crime rates are at an all-time high and escalating. When they were informed, people were more reassured. Newspaper headlines concentrate on significant criminal activity in certain areas which influences perceptions and gives rise to a lack of confidence among the public. The London initiative is therefore welcome.

The anti-social behaviour of those who have got into difficulties and those who have the potential to get into them should be tackled. Police in Bexley have organised a football team for young people who had been loitering in the area and created a film-making group and an art group. Instead of graffiti, the young people were drawing murals. Their energy was focused in positive activities which made them feel respect for civil society and changed their lives. Police in Bexley record home visits and take a number of steps involving parents and behavioural contracts before they reach the anti-social behaviour order stage. We should put the same steps in place to ensure that the anti-social behaviour order is the last resort after encouragement and partnership have failed to result in proper conduct.