Problem solving
Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FOI/23/005632/T
Version Date: 30/08/2024
The Prevention Department have provided the following information.
- Does your force have a team dedicated to problem solving?
Yes.
1a. If yes, what type of problems do the team engage in.
Anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, road safety, drugs, serious violence, exploitation.
1b. If yes, How many problem solving profiles are the team currently working on?
This varies but each Specialist Problem Solver (SPS) will generally be working on anything between 2 and 5 profiles. Some problem solving profiles may be bigger than others and require more intense work. The SPSs will also assist local officers with more minor issues such as neighbour disputes, frequent callers, acquisitive crime series and low level anti social behaviour.
1c. If no, what mechanism does the constabulary use to identify and solve community problems?
Not applicable.
2. What (if any) models do the constabulary use to solve problems.
SARA model (Scanning, Analysis, Response Assessment), 4P (Prepare, protect, pursue, prevent), 5C4P (prepare, protect, pursue, prevent, cooperation, counter narrative, collaboration, co-production, community consensus), CHB (clear, hold, build).
3. Does the constabulary use make use of techniques that could be described synonymously as 'Behavioural Insights' or 'Nudge Theory'
No.
3.a If yes what models are used under these titles.
Not applicable.
I am particularly interested in problem solving in conjunction with evidence based policing focused on preventing and deterring crime, ASB and vulnerability. To try and provide some consistency between respondents I am taking a similar view as the HMICFRS within the PEEL Inspection framework. See Page 5 of the link https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/wp-content/uploads/peel-assessment-framework-2023-2025.pdf Some forces have also identified some other examples of problems solving that they have felt appropriate to reflect on.