Today sees the launch of First Generation: One Year On, a report by Revolving Doors Agency in partnership with the Transition to Adulthood Alliance. One year after the first police and crime commissioners were elected, the report explores how PCCs are working to cut crime and reduce reoffending.

First Generation: One Year One reviews all 42 police and crime plans across England and Wales, as well as calls for evidence sent to all PCCs offices. It focuses on the extent to which PCCs are prioritising tacking the underlying causes of crime and how they are improving responses to two key groups; people facing multiple and complex needs and young adults aged 18-24.

21 PCCs committed to tackling underlying causes of crime in their plans whilst almost all plans included commitments to preventing crime (41) and reducing reoffending (40).

Individuals with multiple and complex needs and young adults are two groups which are both responsible for high levels of crime in their local area as well as highly vulnerable to being victims of crime. Only 7 PCCs made specific references to complex needs in their plans and where there were references, these tended to be quite broad. Almost all plans made reference to young people without specifying the age range this represents, but very few (4) referred to young adults as a distinct group, despite the increasing understanding of young adults as a group with distinct needs across the sector.

The report also explored two cross-cutting themes; gender and ethnicity. The majority of plans (41) made pledges around domestic violence and abuse, with 14 making a specific reference to women as victims. Conversely, only 3 referred to the needs of women as offenders. 13 plans specially referred to ethnic minority groups but only seven acknowledged issues around policing that affect black and minority ethnic groups disproportionately.

Alongside a review of PCC’s plans, First Generation: One Year One highlights areas of promising practise, and makes recommendations for PCCs to consider as they renew their police and crime plans.

Read the full report here.