Second chance for women law-breakers in bid to cut reoffending

WOMEN who commit crime in Hull could avoid prosecution if they agree to go on courses aimed at steering them away from offending.

The “ground-breaking” trial will apply to women brought into custody at Priory Police Station in Cottingham for minor offences and is intended to cut reoffending rates.

If successful, the initiative, which has attracted the interest of the Home Office, could be expanded across the Humberside Police area and adopted by other forces.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Women who agree to take part will be assessed in a “triage system” and referred to the Together Women project, a charity working across Yorkshire and the Humber region.

It delivers intensive support to women aged over 18, aiming to tackle the cause of their offending, divert them from custody, prevent family breakdowns, and ultimately to help vulnerable women turn their lives around.

Police will also seek to refer women to the charity who may not have been arrested so they do not have to commit a crime to get help.

Det Chief Insp Paul Cunningham said: “This is a ground-breaking trial and recognises as a lot of research suggests that female adults can be a vulnerable group and commit offences for different reasons to men.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Ultimately it’s about reducing the rates of reoffending. This is something that at the moment we are trialling. The Home Office are interested in it and if it’s successful it’s something that could be rolled out in Humberside and across the country.”

He added: “It’s not a soft option; if somebody deserves to go into the criminal justice system they will do.”

The project follows the striking success of a similar initiative for young offenders in the city.

Of the 940 young offenders referred for support since July 2009, 770 have stayed out of trouble.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Cunningham said: “The vast majority of people are going to be those coming to our attention for the first time or for the first time for a particular offence.

“A lot of our work is about supporting and challenging and heavy handed enforcement when it’s needed. Our aim is reducing crime and reducing reoffending; this is about protecting the public and giving people a chance to prevent them reoffending and turn their lives around.

“It’s got to be better for them and better for society.”

He added: “A lot of these people have chaotic lifestyles and need that support and some are desperate to get that help.”

About 60 women a year will be eligible for the scheme initially.