Introduction: The objectives of the Racist Incidents & Harassment Toolkit

The key objective of the Racist Incidents & Harassment Toolkit is to provide Crime & Disorder reduction Partnerships with the tools necessary to:

• Respond to the requirements of the Crime & Disorder Act 1998;

• Demonstrate effective solutions to local problems; and

• Assist in the development of good practice and promising initiatives.

The Racist Incidents & Harassment Toolkit consolidates information and advice about practical measures that can be adopted at a local level to identify, tackle and prevent such incidents.

Information on the latest developments, research findings, funding opportunities and promising approaches to tackling racist incidents is provided. Checklists for identifying problem, developing responses and monitoring progress at a local level are also contained in the Toolkit.

This Toolkit provides a way of sharing experience and ideas between local practitioners. It details a range of interventions currently being undertaken by Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships. Case summary examples are detailed and contacts listed. A wide range of publications is also provided.

Tackling racist incidents requires an holistic approach achieved through developing strategies and action plans that contain and promote:

• zero tolerance of racist action

• improved reporting

• monitoring

• taking tough action

• victim and witness support

• engaging perpetrators

This Racial Incidents Toolkit is one of a series of 22 designed to help those involved in crime reduction to work as effectively as possible.

The effectiveness of the Toolkit relies on your help. We very much welcome contributions ands advice on how to improve their content and approach. There are details on how you can help at ‘Innovations’