Intelligence-led business processes:
Using information from the Fire Services to determine local priorities in Dudley CSP
Dudley Borough Fire Service on behalf of the CSP recognised that there was a problem with derelict and void properties. The Fire Service led on designing a new reporting mechanism for this, involving a multi-agency approach. This has resulted in a reduction in criminal damage, arson and anti-social behaviour.
What they did
A newly designed Fire Service driven reporting mechanism was created for identifying and managing void and derelict properties, within the housing, commercial and industrial sectors was created. Properties were identified by referrals from operational crews, in the course of their duties, by analysing fire-related data on a weekly basis. The Commercial or Industrial sectors of the Council also identified derelict or void properties. These were visited by Fire Service personnel, who then supplied the council with a report outlining and detailing risk based concerns with each property. Council employees visited identified properties, to decide upon relevant action and departmental responsibility.
What it involved
It took four months to establish processes, protocols and legal implications fully but several properties are now being managed effectively, demonstrating that the partnership and owners have clearly had a positive impact in the area in which they are located. The scheme involves personnel from the fire service, police, West Midlands arson task force, community safety team, housing service, legal and property, and environmental protection.
What impact it had
This process has supported economic regeneration and community cohesion using a multi-agency approach to address the lack of cohesion within the area and to halt the rising trend of anti-social behaviour. A three-month downward trend has been established, with the prospect of achieving similar figures in the future and meeting LAA targets. A better understanding of risks within the local area has been established between agencies involved. Agencies are better able to manage their time, efforts and resources by prioritising and planning their work more effectively, based on intelligence provided by the fire service. Both fire crews and police Crews do not have to attend so many incidents and therefore can spend more ‘customer contact time’. More time can be allocated to prevention based activity across the Borough, including education, schools initiatives, and the conducting of Home Fire Safety Checks. With the reduction of incidents, the knock on effects include fuel savings, more efficient usage of time, and better contact with our core audience.
Lessons learned
- The need to be clear about what you are trying to achieve – which entailed agencies having to fully understand their own operational requirements and practical implications of the legislation involved.
- Data should be easily shared - agencies need information to be in a totally compatible format, and include addresses and grid references that all agencies can use.
- Expect delays - the process relies on speedy action from agencies, but when dealing with issues of land ownership, responsibility etc, delays must be expected.
