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'Witness deals' to cut gang crime £5m to tackle weapons 'hot spots'
(about 1 hour later)
Witnesses may receive immediate anonymity when they offer to testify against gangs under government plans, according to media reports. A £5m fund to fight knife and gun crime "hot spots" across England and Wales is to be announced by the home secretary.
The move, reported in the Times, is expected to be announced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, along with other measures in a speech later. Jacqui Smith will pledge £4m to fight knife crime and £1m split between four areas targeted for tackling gun crime.
She is also thought to be considering widening the powers of courts to restrict the movements of gang members. The funds will go towards more targeted stop and searches and support for the Crown Prosecution service.
Ms Smith said protecting "victims and witnesses" of crime was her priority. The move coincides with the announcement of guidelines stating schools should be the "first line of response" for tackling gang culture.
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''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." The new funds to tackle 10 violence-prone areas follow early findings that targeted anti-gang action in four other areas saw a 51% drop in recorded gun-related injuries.
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. Ms Smith said: "These early findings are encouraging, which is why I want to spread this approach to knife crime and build on what works.
At the moment, those who testify are unlikely to receive a guarantee of anonymity in court until near the start of any trial. "I'm determined that we do all we can to get all weapons off our streets. I hope communities will welcome the increased use of knife arches and stop and search to protect their young people."
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. The extra funding coincides with the announcement of new guidelines for schools to tackle gangs.
Schools are uniquely placed to spot the early signs of pupil involvement in gangs Beverley Hughes Schools are uniquely placed to spot the early signs of pupil involvement in gangs Beverley Hughes Children and Young People's Minister
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.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.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.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 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 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.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.There are already school guidelines on weapons, drugs and bullying in schools.