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Part one: setting up a tension monitoring system

This part of the guide sets out the basic system for monitoring community tensions. The steps aim to enable users of the guide to plan how you will work together and learn and use the basic processes and systems. It brings together techniques developed by different partners and good practice from around the country into an integrated system. It describes seven basis steps, including an opportunity for review of the processes and systems. Depending on the level of experience of those involved, training may be needed to support aspects of the approach.

Introduction

Arrangements for tension monitoring vary between different areas - from being virtually absent, ad hoc, police only, or coming into play when the heat is turned up,  to areas which are increasingly seeking to build more systematic and shared working. 

Some information is, of necessity, restricted and confidential.  However, the more information partners can share, building a climate of trust, the better the process will be. 

By working through the following steps, then regularly using and applying the system, a more sophisticated approach to tension monitoring will result, ultimately producing better outcomes for local communities and a better relationship between communities, police and other partner agencies.

Before you start

Before setting up a specific system for tension monitoring, it is worth checking that some of the basic strategies, plans and ways of working are in place which form the foundations for preventing tensions.  For example, is the Community Strategy up to date and in place and setting a shared vision and direction for the area, and is it owned and promoted by all partners?  Is there a shared understanding of community cohesion issues in the area and a co-ordinated approach?  Are Equality plans in place, protocols for information and data sharing and is there a New Arrivals Strategy?  Are there mechanisms to promote local engagement in decision making?  Without some of these basics in place, a tension monitoring system will be more difficult to operate and may end up being a fire fighting exercise.

Appendix 1 provides a pdfFoundations for Prevention Checklist (35.06KB).  There may be other plans, strategies or ways of working which you can add.  It is worth working through the Checklist to assess possible areas of weakness or for improvement which need to be addressed by the group or others whilst developing the tension monitoring system.