Updating the Audit
The overall purpose of the Audit is to influence change. It is the most important
piece of work of the Partnership. For it to be useful it must be maintained and seen
as a priority, not something that is done every three years. It is too easy for Partnerships
to be lulled into a position which takes current crime data as its starting point
and seeks to address only those crimes being committed now. This is dangerous as priorities
and crime can change rapidly due to local action. If Partnerships are not updating
their audits then they will not be taking this into account and resources may be channelled
inappropriately.
A Community Safety Officer/Coordinator has a variety of duties and their time is
limited. Up-dating the audit can be a full time job in some areas and only 25% of
a job in others. However the audit is a crucial tool for monitoring and evaluating
the actions of a partnership. If the Audit is not updated then it can not be used
for determining Crime and Disorder activity.
To ensure the Audit is updated a number of options can be employed. The Partnership
should consider undertaking one or more of the following:-
Employing or identifying a dedicated analyst (if resources allow) to update the
audit on a regular basis, particularly where single Partnerships cover Metropolitan
and large City areas. Partnerships covering smaller areas may want to link together
and share an analyst. This may work at a County level where an analyst can be employed
to provide Audit support for its District Partnerships.
Establishing an Audit multi-agency subgroup/network made up of relevant Information
Officers to ensure that data is collected and updated by each agency. This can be
done with or without the existence of a permanent analyst, so long as there is commitment
from agencies to allow staff time to produce data specifically for the Audit.
Commissioning a consultant to update at regular periods. This can be seen as
providing an independent overview, but it might prove expensive and limits the amount
of analysis that can be undertaken. Furthermore, it can take responsibility away from
the Partnership.
Establish and invest good IT databases and programs to enable analysis of data
to be undertaken quicker and more accurately. Train local people to use them effectively
and appropriately.
Update data sharing protocols on a regular basis. This will encourage the flow
of and access to information.
Ensure that audit updates are a standing agenda item at Partnership meetings. Including
not only updates on crime and disorder trends, but also a review of what data is missing,
who will update it, how and when.
The audit is an assessment of the current situation and helps to facilitate action
at a point in time. It should contain information on 3 key areas: data, consultation,
policy and review. This information does not stay static and the audit should change
over time if it is to inform strategy development, and ensure that the Strategy and
its actions are focused appropriately. Assuming the Audit is updated regularly, it
can be used for a range of different purposes.
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