“Different agencies working together to solve problems and prevent crime is the most effective way forward” - South Yorkshire invests in qualifications for multi-agency safety partnership

The Sheffield Safer Neighbourhood Services (SNS) team, who manage the Crime Reduction portfolio in Sheffield with the intention of reinforcing and galvanising Sheffield District’s Crime Reduction capability, undertook the Level 3 Introduction to Crime Prevention qualification delivered by the Police Crime Prevention Academy.

With officers from the Police, Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Fire and Rescue all taking the qualification, this marked the first time that the Police Crime Prevention Academy had delivered to a multi-agency group covering a specific area.

Speaking on behalf of the Academy, the Head of Learning and Development Guy Collyer said, “We have been very pleased to work with these agencies in Sheffield and think it is a model that other cities will follow.

“Different agencies working together to solve problems and prevent crime is the most effective way forward in todays’ society”.

Sergeant Simon Kirkham from the Sheffield SNS said “What is exceptional about this qualification, in addition to the fantastic skills it provides for the participants and Sheffield District, is that it’s truly a partnership initiative.

“This course is the first of its kind, with officers from the Police, Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue taking part and reflecting the already close working relationship we have with partners in Sheffield. This must be the way forward for multi-agency safety partnerships”.

The Level 3 Introduction to Crime Prevention Award supports officers in the provision of appropriate general crime prevention advice to local communities. It also equips officers with the knowledge and skills that enable them to undertake a structured approach to conducting a site security survey and making suitable recommendations, including suitable security products.

The Level 3 Award can be dovetailed into CPD for officers and staff, as well as providing a stepping stone to the specialist qualification of the Level 4 Certificate in Crime Prevention for Practitioners.

After assuming responsibility from the College of Policing for the running of crime prevention and designing out crime courses in the UK, the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (PCPI) Crime Prevention Academy has been delivering a new nationally recognised generation of ProQual approved and OFQUAL accredited qualifications in crime prevention and designing out crime since September 2018.

All qualifications are available for Police, Local Authorities, Security Staff and others with an interest in building security such as Fire, Architects and Planners. The qualifications are also available and relevant to the private sector, be it business, retail or industrial settings. Further information about the range of accredited qualifications offered by the Police Crime Prevention Academy can be obtained by visiting https://www.crimepreventionacademy.com/ or emailing:

Police Crime Prevention Initiatives is a police owned organisation that works on behalf of Police & Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables to deliver a wide range of crime prevention and demand reduction initiatives across the UK. It is a not-for-profit organisation and Board Members include senior police officers from each of the four Home Nations who control and direct the work PCPI carries out on behalf of the Police Service.