Community Safety

What is Community Safety?
Community Safety is the protection of everyone's right to live without fear for their own and other people's safety. It applies to a broad range of issues that can affect the quality of life in Highland. It is a key priority for the Scottish Executive and is being taken forward within the framework of the Highland Wellbeing Alliance Community Plan (PDF 1576 Kb). The Highland Wellbeing Alliance Community Safety Strategy (PDF 697 Kb) aims to create safer places for people to live, work and visit without fear of harm, because although it is recognised that the Highlands offer a safe and healthy environment there is room for improvement. Feeling safe at home in the streets and within the wider community is essential to everyone's quality of life. The Community Safety Progress Report 2006-07 (PDF 98 Kb) has recently been published. To view this document, please click here.

The Community Safety Unit is based in the Chief Executive's Office.   To progress the Strategy at local level the unit works with Local Action Teams (LATs) in each of the eight Council areas. These teams are headed by the Highland Council Area Manager and the Northern Constabulary Area Commander, and involve a variety of local organisations, groups and interested parties. These Teams are vital links to identify local problems and concerns, working with communities to find sustainable solutions.

Strategy
The 2004 - 2007  Highland Wellbeing Alliance Community Safety Strategy was officially launched at a well attended Seminar on the 26th October 2004 by Firemaster Brian Murray, Chair of the Community Safety Steering Group.  It is planned to continue to hold a similar event annually. 

The new priority areas of the Strategy were identified following a wide consultation and the examination of local statistics.

The priority areas are:

• Tackling Crime and Fear of Crime
• Tackling Drug and Alcohol Misuse
• Addressing Domestic Abuse
• Increasing Home Safety
• Promoting Racial Equality and Valuing Diversity
• Improving Road Safety
• Engaging with Young People
• Supporting Water and Mountain Safety 

Domestic Abuse Strategy  
A Strategy on Domestic Abuse (PDF 264 Kb) has been prepared by the Highland Wellbeing Alliance and was launched on 17th May 2004. 

Contact
If you would like to know more about community safety in Highland please contact The Community Safety Unit on 01463 702127.

Further information on Community Safety issues can also be obtained from the sites listed under 'external links'.