Wanted - new community crime fighting recruits

Rochdale Borough Council is hoping to recruit an army of Community Crime Fighters that will help them and the police tackle crime and make communities safer in the borough.

The council sees the role as an important one in helping to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour and reducing the fear of crime within local communities. Recruits will be offered training to gain the necessary skills in order to become a strong advocate for community safety.

In June 2008, Louise Casey published her review ‘Engaging Communities in Fighting Crime’. 10,000 people took part in the review that looked at how the police, local authorities, and other criminal justice agencies can work more effectively with local people to reduce crime and the fear of crime. Many respondents said that they wanted to be better informed about, and involved in actions taking place at a local level to reduce crime. The national Community Crime Fighter programme has been set up in response to this to help create stronger links between the police, the local authority, courts, probation, and the communities they serve.

Roger Ellis, Chief Executive of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We recognise that there are many community activists already doing fantastic work so we want to offer you greater support by providing you with the training and tools necessary to perform your role as a community advocate even more effectively. Together we can build stronger, confident and happy communities and limit the impact crime has within the borough.”

Chief Superintendent John O’Hare, for Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale Division, said: “I would like to see as many Community Crime Fighters coming forward to pledge their support because armed with your help we can be even more effective in making Rochdale borough a safer place to live, work, visit and do business.”


A free training event will take place on 10 September at the Village Hotel - lunch and refreshments will be provided as will assistance with travel costs.

To book your place email: Lindsay.dunn@rochhdale.gov.uk

Or tel: 01706 924958