Council and police join forces to support young people at risk of crime

North Somerset Council's Safer Communities team has launched the Teachable Moments Engagement Car. This project has been set up to support young people at risk of committing or falling victim to crime.

The project operates using an unmarked vehicle staffed by a council youth worker, a council community response officer, and/or a police officer or police community support officer (PCSO). The team conducts proactive patrols throughout North Somerset several evenings a week and is also deployed reactively after an incident occurs.

The project's primary goal is to reduce youth-related anti-social behaviour and violent crime. By engaging with young people affected by crime shortly after incidents occur, council and police officers can offer positive alternative pathways. This approach is grounded in the teachable moment theory, which suggests that individuals are more receptive to making changes in their lives shortly after experiencing a significant event.

In its first eight weeks, the Teachable Moments Engagement Car has:

• Been deployed on 2 reactive and 70 proactive patrols or engagements
• Recorded 5 individual and 67 group interactions
• Referred two individuals for support as a result of engagement work.

The initiative is funded by the Home Office for a 12-month trial period.

Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council's executive member for safety in the community, said: "I'm so pleased that the Teachable Moments Engagement Car had made such a positive impact on our community since it first came onto our roads in November.

"The vehicle has already been used in more than 70 community patrols. Through the Teachable Moments Engagement Car, officers from the council and the police have also been able to engage with a wide range of young people and professionals, for instance by travelling to youth clubs to speak about community safety.

"This initiative is a great way for the council and the police to work together and engage with young people, to help tackle anti-social behaviour."

Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, said: "The focus of my newly launched Police and Crime Plan is on safe and secure communities. This Teachable Moments Car is an excellent example of how this can be delivered.

"I was delighted to be able to support this initiative, which brings different agencies together to find solutions to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) and prevent crime from happening in our communities.

"It's encouraging to see the results the car has already achieved during the short amount of time it has been in place. I will follow its progress over the remainder of the year and look forward to its success informing future projects and services."