Joint Action Group

The Safer Wealden Partnership established its Joint Action Group (JAG) in March 2006. It is a multi-agency group consisting of Operational Managers from various departments in Wealden District Council, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Sussex Police, East Sussex Trading Standards, East Sussex Highways and the Youth Services.

The purpose of the Joint Action Group is to address crime and disorder issues that have been identified through the analysis of intelligence and statistical information provided by all partner agencies.

The Group meets every fortnight to discuss and deal with issues of violent crime, anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, vehicle crime and any other issues which are having an adverse effect on the quality of life for residents of Wealden District. The JAG receives a report at each meeting which gives details of current problems, and is based on information provided by Sussex Police, Wealden District Council and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

The JAG agrees which agency will take the lead in resolving issues and each of the partners commits to the input they will have.

The key to the Joint Action Group's success has been its 'Fast time' responses to community issues and concerns, many of which are solved within a 2 week time frame. This has all been down to a multi-agency approach and being able to use resources more effectively in partnership.

Examples of issues dealt with by the JAG include:

• Anti-social Behaviour & Public Reassurance
• Burglary Dwelling and Burglary Other Than Dwelling
• Disadvantaged Communities
• Fear of Crime and Vulnerable Groups
• Substance Misuse
• Town Centres (including street drinkers, town centre disorder etc.)
• Traveller issues
• Youth Disorder/nuisance

Payback Team

One area of success for the Joint Action Group is the use of the Sussex Probation Payback Team. Last year offenders sentenced by the courts completed a total of 230,000 hours of unpaid work under Sussex Probation Area's Community Payback initiative - making vast improvements to community facilities, the environment, public buildings, open spaces and local neighbourhoods and improving the quality of life for thousands of residents.

Unpaid Work is a sentence available to courts. It is intended as a punishment and also as a means by which offenders can make amends to the community for their crimes - hence the name Community Payback.

Whilst the JAG uses the Payback Team as a key resource, it is important to note that any member of the public can suggest a project by contacting their local Probation Service directly or through the Safer Wealden Partnership. This is something we very much encourage.