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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Recent Comments
Alan Jelfs
If we're talking a 25-year timescale than an essential part of that must be reducing the National Dept, currently costing £100billion a year to service. That ...
Jason Connor
In case you haven't heard, there is a cost of living crisis. So very high prices for food, I spent £70 on just a shop for myself the other day and not much for...- Jason Connor
Christine Jardine for next Lib Dem Leader please.... 
Phil Wainewright
Yes @Tim Rogers of course we need policies that deliver for people now. My point is that, if we don’t put those policies in the context of our longer term goa...
Christina Evans
Very sensible idea, lib dems ,labour and greens form a coalition if we get a hung parliament. Kemi Badenoch has given a nod that the Tories would go in with the...
3 Comments
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.