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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. In 2005 the Glasgow Antisocial Behaviour ( ASB) Taskforce was established to reduce ASB in 10 targeted areas in Glasgow. It brought together a number of agencies with the aim of tackling ASB in a more informed, holistic and strategic way. The Taskforce was composed of 7 teams: Community Safety Patrol Officers ( CSPOs), Rapid Response Environmental Enhancement Team, Police Enforcement Team, Community Support Team, Victims and Vulnerables Team, Services for Young People and a Neighbourhood Management Team. Information sharing amongst agencies and between teams was a key aspect of the Taskforce, ensuring that resources were directed at areas in most need. The merging of data allowed the Taskforce not only to look at trends and identify ASB hotspots but also to target individuals who were identified as persistent ASB perpetrators.
This evaluation of the implementation and impact of the Glasgow ASB Taskforce took place between November 2005 and December 2006, and aimed to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the Taskforce and identify lessons learned and provide recommendations to improve future effectiveness of the programme. The evaluation used 3 different methodological approaches. A household survey was conducted of 800 residents living in the 10 wards targeted by the Taskforce, and of 300 residents who lived in comparator areas. In-depth research was done in 3 case study areas - Govan, Tollcross and Scotstoun - using interviews and participatory group exercises. A partnership analysis of the Taskforce was conducted to understand the operation of the Taskforce and its influence on service delivery.
2. This evaluation began shortly after the Taskforce was established, and therefore the full impacts of the Taskforce interventions have yet to be realized. However there is limited evidence of the Taskforce's impact to date, yet there are some positive early signs of change, and some good examples of partnership working with encouraging outcomes. This evaluation report suggests that ASB can be categorised by its impact on 3 areas: on the built environment - including graffiti and vandalism, on public space - including fighting, drug and alcohol misuse, and lastly on individuals and households - covering harassment, intimidation and noisy neighbours.
The findings of the evaluation on the impact of the Taskforce on ASB are complex and mixed. The main impact the Taskforce has had on ASB in Glasgow is a greater willingness to report ASB particularly incidents of intimidation and harassment and acts of vandalism, which is an important and intermediate sign of change.
3. Evidence of overall Taskforce effectiveness has been demonstrated through the following findings:
- the Taskforce's impact on ASB affecting the built environment was mixed, but there was some evidence that environmental issues had improved. Although there was little difference between the views of respondents in Taskforce and comparator areas, it is promising that improvements were perceived to be greater in longer established taskforce areas.
- establishing and implementing a wide range of functions
- improving multi-agency working, which is a widely held view both internally and among other organisations
- improved information systems between key agencies for greater targeting and coordinated initiatives
- the establishment of the Victims and Vulnerables team - which provides support to those vulnerable to involvement in ASB - was welcomed by partners and adds value to existing service provision
- demonstrating that new and high quality diversionary activities can be delivered. Case study respondents directly involved in these activities felt that they had impacted positively on young people.
- undertaking Action Planning to pinpoint local issues and priorities
- supporting Citizenship sessions to all primary schools in target areas under an initiative delivered by the School Liaison team, which was considered by children to be successful.
4. More work could be done to improve effectiveness in order to:
- clearly demonstrate improvement in ASB on individuals and households particularly in terms of harassment and noisy neighbours
- improve awareness of Taskforce initiatives and successes
- improve awareness of CSPO roles and activities, particularly with hard to reach groups
- build stronger links with external agencies and organisations, particularly at the local level
- build in longer timeframes for diversionary activities and sustain relationships with the most marginalised young people to understand longer term impact and change in behaviour
- ensure that labour intensive activities such as the Victims and Vulnerable service are prioritised and supported
- include young people in understanding and designing approaches to reducing ASB, particularly aimed at young women and girls
- understand how wider negative attitudes and stereotyping affects young people and how changes in these attitudes might impact on ASB
- achieve greater reach and focus on those particularly vulnerable to ASB such as young people and refugee and asylum seeker groups
- improve effectiveness by developing more output and outcome focused monitoring and evaluation frameworks
- continue to examine value for money when impacts are clearer as the programme matures.
5. In October 2006 the Taskforce became Glasgow Community and Safety Services ( GCSS) and extended its services citywide. This evaluation preceded this change.
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