§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has(a) to assess the success of the warden force within the Metropolitan police area and (b) to reproduce it in police forces (i) across the country and (ii) in Cleveland. [16441]
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§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 20 November 2001]: The Government have commissioned a national evaluation of the Neighbourhood Wardens programme. This is now under way and due for completion by mid-2003. The evaluation is intended to provide an assessment of scheme impacts and to understand the processes of scheme implementation. The methodology includes in-depth investigations in eight case study schemes, comprehensive household surveys in a further seven, and surveys of wardens and scheme managers in all areas.
It is not possible to consider each and every scheme in the same detail but care is taken to ensure that all regions receive roughly equal coverage that enables a picture of national-level impact to be established.
In addition, schemes are encouraged to undertake local-level evaluations appropriate to their needs.
Street warden schemes in England have yet to start and will be subject to a similarly rigorous evaluation process.