That’s the intriguing proposition in a pamphlet by Ben Rogers, published this week by the RSA. He starts with the case of first aid – point out how the widespread training of the public in first aid has helped supplement the core health services provided by the state – and then goes on to suggest a similar approach to anti-social behaviour:
The Woolwich Model – Can citizens tackle anti-social behaviour?
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This pamphlet spends a lot of time talking about how “young people being seen outside” is a problem, and no time at all describing how the public would be trained. After 30 pages I still have no real sense of what they are proposing.
The big problem is that intervention is dangerous & can be fatal. Even if you arent hurt physically you will end up shaking with fear & unlike the Police there is no support network afterwards.
Paul: I once tried to “tackle” some anti social behvaiour myself and suffered some pretty dire consequences, so I agree with you 100%.
On a somewhat related note, it was interesting to see Helen Newlove being sworn in as a Tory peer today. Having spent two years being courted by Cameron while campaigning for more criminals to be banged up (or in some cases strung up), it would be fascinating to know what she thinks about the Tories’ post-election adoption of a liberal criminal justice policy.