West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson yesterday visited Bradford to see how pioneering Neighbourhood Resolution Panels are tackling local low-level crime.
Mr Burns-Williamson told the Telegraph & Argus that the scheme had an 86 per cent success rate and he would look at implementing it across the county.
Neighbourhood Resolution Panels bring together victims and criminals to agree, with trained volunteers, on restorative action after low-level crime or anti-social behaviour.
Mr Burns-Williamson met the organisations behind the initiative, including West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Probation. He also talked to volunteers to find out why they got involved and how the panels work.
Mr Burns-Williamson said: “Having seen this work in practice and the evidence of the impact it has had, I am convinced that for the benefit of other victims, we must continue to have the opportunity for people to see justice being done this way.”
Coun Imran Hussain, deputy leader of Bradford Council, said: “Bradford is leading the way in restorative justice and we are delighted the Police and Crime Commissioner has taken the time to give this innovative pilot the acknowledgement it deserves.”
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