29. Memorandum submitted by the Society
of Editors
Regional and local editors have a particular
interest in anti-social behaviour because they can play a crucial
part in the success of policies in this area.
The society's key stance has been that if policy
initiatives are to succeed in identifying anti-social behaviour
and its perpetrators, editors need to be able to spotlight instances
of behaviour and individuals involved. Communities need to know
what is going on in their midst and who the offenders are. Local
and regional papers are perfectly placed to help implement the
policy. They are willing and able to do so but are frequently
hampered by the courts and the implementation of reporting restrictions.
Editors regularly challenge those restrictions that hinder government
efforts.
Low level crime and anti-social behaviour have
been identified as major factors in public perceptions of the
effectiveness of the police, the courts and the criminal justice
system generally. These factors have also been identified as increasing
public dissatisfaction and the fear of crime. Editors have a vested
interest in promoting more secure communities because, again,
the ethical and business cases merge.
Through the society, editors have had long discussions
on these issues with the Home Office, the police and other authorities
nationally and locally.
5 January 2005
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