HC Deb 01 May 2002 vol 384 cc835-6W
8. Mrs. Betty Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Government's proposed community safety strategy. [51674]

Mr. Browne

The Government published a draft community safety strategy for consultation on 10 April 2002. The strategy sets out a broad framework for action at a local level to address local concerns about crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. It will require close co-operation from a wide range of agencies in both the devolved and non-devolved Administrations.

17. Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on community safety campaigns being mounted in schools by the police service of Northern Ireland. [51684]

Jane Kennedy

The Police Service of Northern Ireland recognises the importance of education in promoting individual safety for young people and families and to help create safer communities. The Citizen and Safety Education (CASE) Programme has been developed in an attempt to establish close links between the police and the school community through the central themes of Protection, Education and Prevention. CASE provides a platform for police to work in partnership with teachers and parents. Together, they seek to present information and promote skills, attitudes and values, which encourage responsible behaviour in young people and empower them to live safely.

The issues covered in the programme include the role of the police, vandalism, bullying, peer pressure, stranger danger, road safety, internet safety, abuse, respecting others, young people and the law, underage drinking, solvent abuse and drugs and the law. Over 80 officers are involved in the CASE programme and it is hoped to significantly increase that number for the next academic year. Of the 1,182 schools in Northern Ireland, PSNI is currently working in 940, focusing on pupils at Key Stages I, II and III.

25. Mr. David Stewart

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the promotion of crime prevention and community safety in Northern Ireland. [51692]

Mr. Browne

The Government have taken forward a number of crime prevention campaigns in Northern Ireland with appropriate partners. In addition, a draft community safety strategy for consultation was published on 10 April 2002. The strategy sets out a broad framework for action at a local level to address local concerns about crime, the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour.