Joint Action Group

Targeted approach to problem-solving

Like CIAG, the Joint Action Group (JAG) is a multi-agency problem-solving group accountable to the Partnership. The difference is that JAG seeks to address problems in specific locations in the community, as oppose to individuals. These could include nightclubs, shopping parades or recreation grounds. The police can use JAG to discuss potential dispersal orders in problem areas to deal with anti-social behaviour.

Using the expertise that exists within the group, JAG members decide priorities, agree action plans, allocate resources and ensure there is a co-ordinated response to issues highlighted at six-weekly JAG meetings.

Examples of issues dealt with by JAG include:

• Residential burglary
• Town centres (including street drinkers, town centre disorder, etc)
• Substance misuse
• Domestic abuse
• Anti-social behaviour
• Public reassurance

The Surrey Heath JAG is now one of the first in Surrey to utilise A&E data from local hospitals (in this case Frimley Park Hospital) to target interventions to reduce alcohol-related assault.

JAG interventions 2009/10

Key issues nominated by JAG officers during 2009/10 included:

Criminal damage at Frimley Green recreation ground
In Q1, the issue of repeat vandalism at Frimley Green recreation ground was nominated to the JAG agenda. A Frimley Green Rec. project working group was established to seek funding to regenerate the area to 'design out' ASB and criminal damage, and to engender a greater sense of community spirit in the neighbourhood. In February 2010, the group successfully bid for a £40k grant from the Surrey Criminal Justice Board (SCJB) Community Cashback scheme. This went towards completing Phase 1 work, including landscaping, new fencing, repairs to the sports pavilion, and trees and shrub planting with support via the SCJB Community Payback scheme. Phase 2 of the project was due to begin in May 2010. This issue was removed from the JAG agenda in Q3.

Youth disorder and noise nuisance at Lightwater Country Park
JAG-funded interventions during Q3 and Q4 resulted in a significant reduction in reports of ASB in the area. Interventions included the installation of a new automatic barrier at the entrance to the park, and of electrics on lampposts for CCTV, and increased police patrols. This issue was removed from the JAG agenda in Q4.

Criminal damage at Chobham Road recreation ground
Reports of arson and criminal damage reduced dramatically after JAG intervened to tackle damage to the Chobham Road Rec. cricket pitch and breaks-ins to the sports building. JAG partly funded the erection of substantial fencing around the compound, and was supported by Siemens with the use of its CCTV. This issue was removed from the JAG agenda in Q4.

Youth disorder and Section 30 Order for Ansell Road, Frimley
A Section 30 Order for the Ansell Road area of Frimley, coupled with intervention through CIAG by Surrey YDS and Surrey Police, reduced the number of reports of ASB around the shops. This issue remains on the JAG agenda for monitoring.