Prevention and rehabilitation

Supporting PCCs to develop prevention initiatives that can reduce crime and the number of victims 

The Prevention and Children and Young People (CYP) portfolio represents APCC members at a national level to influence legislation, policy, and funding decisions concerning prevention and the wellbeing of children and young people. We also collaborate with national partners on members’ behalf. 

The APCC supports members in providing local leadership and implementing evidence-based practices on issues related to prevention and the needs of children and young people. This programme of work is designed to ensure that PCCs and OPCCs are well-equipped to enhance their responses to children, young people, and preventive measures, contributing to safer communities and better outcomes for young people. 

We support PCCs in their work with local partners in areas relating to vulnerability such as social care, mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, and police custody.  We advocate on behalf of PCCs to ensure local notable practice is brought to the attention of national partners and parliamentarians. 

Our priorities for prevention and partnerships are to support PCCs to: 

• Engage with government, with a concerted focus on collaborating with the Home Office’s Crime Prevention Unit, and with national partners. This includes direct engagement to ensure alignment with key national strategies in England and Wales 

• Raising awareness of public health approaches to policing on issues affecting children and young people and enabling PCCs and OPCCs to incorporate these methodologies into their strategies 

• Develop briefings to ensure PCCs are informed of the latest developments and can contribute to discussions on national policies affecting CYP  

• Provide opportunities for PCCs to share best practice, discuss challenges, and strengthen collaborative efforts in addressing the needs of children and young people

“On behalf of the public, PCCs are determined to maintain an unwavering focus on preventing crime, to protect people and communities and, by holding police forces to account, improve public trust and confidence in them.” – APCC’s Joint Leads for Prevention, Clare Moody, PCC for Avon and Somerset, and Jonathan Ash-Edwards, PCC for Hertfordshire

Public health approaches

A public health approach to policing increases the focus on proactive, preventative activity to address underlying risk factors, as opposed to solely reacting to crime once it has occurred.  

It focuses on the needs of a population or sub-population rather than on individuals, taking the view that prevention is better than cure and dealing with the root causes. It recognises links between crime, policing and health problems, social exclusion, and inequality. 

Social risk factors for poor health align closely with risk factors for offending such as poor housing, education, lack of work and income. Those at greatest risk of offending are more likely to suffer from multiple and complex health and social issues. They can include mental and physical health problems, learning difficulties, substance misuse, and an increased risk of premature mortality.  

A public health approach focuses on protective factors and builds strengths such as employability, access to drug/alcohol treatment, mental wellbeing support, help with accommodation issues, maintaining tenancies, parenting skills, diversionary activities, and positive role models. 

Young Futures programme 

The government has committed to intervening earlier to stop young people being drawn into crime, by creating opportunities in their communities and improving access to mental health support.  

The government’s Young Futures programme includes: 

• Young Futures prevention partnerships – multi-agency bodies to identify at risk children and young people, map local service provision and refer the child or young person to support services  

• Young Futures hubs  

• Crime Prevention Accelerators  

The APCC will work closely with the Home Office and national stakeholders to ensure that PCCs are integral to the policy of this work and the voice of PCCs is clearly articulated to decision-makers. 

Portfolio leads