Early identification and intervention with individuals at risk of becoming involved in serious and organised crime (SOC)
ISSN: 1757-8043
Article publication date: 28 May 2021
Issue publication date: 6 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the “engage” pilot project and related processes for identifying individuals vulnerable to becoming involved in serious and organised crime groups (OCGs).
Design/methodology/approach
In this, a six-stage process developed in the five pilot sites to guide interventions is described. The project identified 18 individuals who have confirmed low level involvement in OCGs based in 5 areas of Greater Manchester by combining risk factors and the connecting of records held by law enforcement agencies.
Findings
Key risk factors found to be associated with the 18 individuals identified are described in relation to literature and discussed in terms of future intervention possibilities. A brief description of the key findings of the evaluation of the pilot project is also included.
Originality/value
Together these findings are discussed to explore the challenges of preventative interventions tailored towards young people already involved in criminality and offers recommendations for future programmes in this field.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowlegements: Thank you to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) who facilitated access to the data used in this publication as part of Project Engage. The views expressed here are those of the authors, not necessarily those of GMP. Funding: Specialist Crime Solutions were commissioned by the Home Office and Greater Manchester Police as part of Project Engage to identify those at risk of SOC involvement within the Greater Manchester area. Specialist Crime Solutions is affiliated with the lead author Mick Hurley.
Citation
Hurley, M. and Boulton, L.J. (2021), "Early identification and intervention with individuals at risk of becoming involved in serious and organised crime (SOC)", Safer Communities, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 73-84. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-11-2020-0039
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited