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Part three: reponding to tensions - interventions

There are no blueprints or 'off the shelf' solutions to address community tensions or their consequences. Every area, community and set of circumstances is unique and will require a 'bespoke' approach. Something as simple as 'Let's hold a community meeting' could be positive and productive or could give a focus for negative activities, disorder or exacerbate the problem. However there are lessons and good practice and a menu of options to consider.

Ultimately it will be the work undertaken in relation to the previous sections of this guide which will determine the range and likely success of interventions in the event of tensions rising above normal. It us essential to have networks of people who know and trust each other already established - they cannot be created after tensions have emerged. Thereafter, identifying medium and longer term solutions to building resilience and recovery are required.

Part Three covers:

  • Introduction - 'proportionate, legal, accountable, and necessary'
  • Community led solutions
  • Partnership and Agency interventions
  • Communications

Introduction

Where community tensions are above normal (that is anything above 6) - using the 'Experienced, Evidenced and Potential' framework - the Community Impact Assessment process would consider a range of interventions.  These will generate options - not recommendations.  Interventions must be developed based on the Risk Assessments and a structured analysis of the problem, based on the Community Impact Assessment.

No intervention is risk free and could have the effect of raising the temperature so needs to be carefully considered even though time scales might be very short.  This is where good community networks, good relationships between agencies and contingency planning comes into play.

Interventions need to be proportionate to the situation.  All interventions, but particularly those involving the use of specific powers must be proportionate, legal, accountable and necessary.

  • The aim is to reduce tension and/or deal with its manifestations.
  • Interventions need to be sensitive to all sections of the community.
  • Interventions need to be monitored and updated as circumstances change
  • Doing nothing is not usually an option 

The interventions below list some options based around community led solutions, interagency interventions and communications.  In reality, these three elements are inextricably linked and are critical to the success of managing any interventions where tensions are raised above normal.  These interventions generally relate to tensions at level 5 or above, though levels 1 and two will require additional specialist responses.