Jersey’s new community safety system
A key purpose of Government is to promote the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of its citizens. Jersey’s strong record of community safety provides the solid foundation of safety and security that makes this possible.
That record is an achievement, not something we should ever take for granted. Maintaining and enhancing it requires sustained commitment to the safety of our community. It means taking stock of where Jersey is today in terms of:
- current levels of crime, disorder, and harmful behaviours
- the status of the community safety strategies, partnerships and services that currently work to minimise the harm they cause
In 2018, Future Jersey set out 10 aspirational Island Outcomes which are the fundamental building blocks of our community’s wellbeing.
Each was given substance by a set of performance indicators designed to track Jersey’s progress over time. These Island Indicators now form part of the Jersey Performance Framework.
‘Islanders feel safe and protected at home, work and in public’ was defined as 1 of these 10 enduring Island Outcomes.
The BASC Framework puts in place an overarching framework which provides the means to share, embed and enhance the knowledge base required to get ahead of community safety issues.
Recognising the importance of prevention and the influence of the social determinants of health on community safety issues, it involves stakeholders across Government, the third sector and the wider community.
The Framework intends to map, connect and understand the contribution made by these stakeholders and their strategies, programmes and services which address community safety challenges.
Providing a structured representation of the continuum of activities under 2 main phases:
The BASC Framework provides a model for collaboration, planning and action to shape how we identify and respond to current and emerging community safety issues, from universal prevention through to rehabilitation and recovery.
The innovation and achievement from BASS
Between 2005 and 2019 Building a Safer Society (BASS) took on the community leadership role required to bring together partners from the public, voluntary and private sectors to work together to make Jersey safer.
BASS maintained an enduring, shared focus on 3 main objectives:
- reduce the harms caused by crime, anti-social behaviour, and threats to personal safety
- increase the safety of our community by supporting an integrated approach to social inclusion
- minimise the harm to individuals, families and communities caused by drugs and alcohol
The BASC Framework learns from and develops the work begun with BASS.
BASC Framework
The Building a Safer Community Framework is a fresh approach to community safety in Jersey requiring a coordinated effort from a wide range of stakeholders across the Island.
The Framework is a community safety system which represents prevention to community safety and how the island responds to crime, pro criminal behaviour and associated harm.
Building a Safer Community (BASC) Framework Overview
Building a Safer Community (BASC) Framework
Prevention
The prevention phase concentrates on strategic actions taken before crime occurs, aiming to identify and mitigate risks. It focuses on proactive measures to prevent crime.
It includes 3 pillars:
Universal prevention
This pillar focuses on preventing problems before they arise by reducing or eliminating underlying risk factors. For instance, programs ensuring children's social and emotional needs are met during their crucial developmental years to lessen the chances of future criminality.
Targeted intervention
Providing support when specific risks are identified or potential problems emerge, but before they manifest as criminality. This could entail offering pre-emptive support to businesses, individuals or families at risk of exploitation or engaging in criminal activities.
Community development
Building strong, resilient communities less susceptible to crime by leveraging existing assets such as skills, knowledge, capacity, resources, experience or enthusiasm. Empowering individuals and communities to identify and utilize their strengths fostering community and social innovations that enhance resilience to crime.
Response
When a crime does occur, the response phase of the BASC Framework ensures an effective and sensitive approach to offences, offenders, victims, witnesses and the wider community. It addresses both crime and supporting victims.
The 3 pillars in this phase are:
Enforcement
Covering the process from the crime's occurrence through investigation to prosecution or community-based resolution. Bringing offenders to justice is crucial for reducing crime and preventing further harm while maintaining public confidence in community safety. Enforcement also involves supporting victims and witnesses to minimize trauma and ensure positive experiences with justice services.
Justice
Encompassing formal court proceedings from charging offenders to trial and sentencing. Justice goes beyond convicting offenders, victim and witness experiences during the process need consideration and support. While the judiciary's independence is essential, interconnection with other community safety partners promotes progress towards shared safety goals. Focuses on post-sentence interventions for offenders and support for victims, witnesses, and the wider community.
Rehabilitation and recovery
Rehabilitation aims to reduce reoffending and assist offenders in reintegration into communities, while recovery supports victims and the community in moving beyond the impact of the harm experienced. A principle that extends throughout the response phase.
Support for all affected by crime
The BASC Framework emphasises the need for support and consideration for all those affected by or touched by crime throughout the prevention and response continuum.
This commitment ensures victims, witnesses, and the community can recover and thrive, reinforcing efforts to build a safer and more resilient community.
With the launch of the BASC Delivery Framework, key stakeholders are invited to collaborate in implementing this dynamic and holistic approach to community safety.
Together, we can shape a secure future for all members of our island community.
Contact us
For more information email Cirsty de Gruchy Moseley at c.degruchymoseley@gov.je.
Previous Building a Safer Society (BASS) strategy documents
Find the documents that relate to the Building a Safer Society (BASS) strategy that was implemented in 2005 and ran until 2019.
gov.je