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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| 'Witness deals' to cut gang crime | 'Witness deals' to cut gang crime |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| Witnesses may receive immediate anonymity when they offer to testify against gangs under government plans, according to media reports. | Witnesses may receive immediate anonymity when they offer to testify against gangs under government plans, according to media reports. |
| The move, reported in the Times, is expected to be announced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, along with other measures in a speech later. | The move, reported in the Times, is expected to be announced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, along with other measures in a speech later. |
| She is also thought to be considering widening the powers of courts to restrict the movements of gang members. | She is also thought to be considering widening the powers of courts to restrict the movements of gang members. |
| Ms Smith said protecting "victims and witnesses" of crime was her priority. | Ms Smith said protecting "victims and witnesses" of crime was her priority. |
| Speaking ahead of her speech, the home secretary said: "We want witnesses to feel safe enough to give evidence right from the beginning. | Speaking ahead of her speech, the home secretary said: "We want witnesses to feel safe enough to give evidence right from the beginning. |
| 'First response' | |
| "If this means an early guarantee that their identities will be protected then so be it. And if law enforcement authorities need new powers then they will have them." | "If this means an early guarantee that their identities will be protected then so be it. And if law enforcement authorities need new powers then they will have them." |
| Senior police officers are said to have warned ministers that members of the public need protection earlier in order to persuade them to come forward with information. | Senior police officers are said to have warned ministers that members of the public need protection earlier in order to persuade them to come forward with information. |
| At the moment, those who testify are unlikely to receive a guarantee of anonymity in court until near the start of any trial. | At the moment, those who testify are unlikely to receive a guarantee of anonymity in court until near the start of any trial. |
| Police are also understood to have called for court injunctions that can be used to block known gang members from entering certain parts of cities. | Police are also understood to have called for court injunctions that can be used to block known gang members from entering certain parts of cities. |
| Schools are uniquely placed to spot the early signs of pupil involvement in gangs Beverley Hughes | |
| Children and Young People's Minister | |
| Ms Smith's announcement on identity protection for witnesses coincides with the announcement of new guidelines for schools to tackle gangs. | |
| Schools should now be the "first line of response" for tackling teenage gangs, the government has said. | |
| The Department for Children, Schools and Families guidelines include advice on how to spot gang members and find out which gangs are operating in the local area. | |
| Children and Young People's Minister Beverley Hughes said: "As the only truly universal service for children and young people, schools are uniquely placed to spot the early signs of pupil involvement in gangs. | |
| "The guidance I am launching today provides straightforward advice to schools about what to look for, and how to reduce risks of pupils becoming involved with gangs." | |
| The non-compulsory guidelines cover emergency planning in case trouble breaks out, but Ms Hughes emphasised teachers should not put themselves at risk. | |
| The announcement comes after a series of teenage deaths in London this year, some of which are thought to have been gang-related. | |
| There are already school guidelines on weapons, drugs and bullying in schools. |