Dudley Council is set to launch a new initiative enlisting ‘community champions’ to help report antisocial behaviour (ASB) as part of a broader crime reduction strategy. This measure is detailed in the council’s recently introduced ASB policy, which officials tout as one of the toughest in the country.
The scheme encourages local residents to volunteer as community champions, tasked with monitoring and reporting antisocial activities. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of these volunteers. At the March meeting of the council’s Housing and Assets Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Jackie Cowell voiced worries that these volunteers could become targets themselves.
Cllr Cowell compared the proposal to the West Midlands Police’s Street Watch programme, stating, “I’ve raised concerns about people effectively walking around with a target on their backs. If volunteers are known for reporting incidents, they could be placed in risky situations.”
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The community champion role builds on the existing ‘block champions’ system, where volunteers inspect their local blocks and provide feedback on grounds maintenance, estate conditions, cleanliness, and fire safety. According to a report from Kathryn Jones, Dudley group director of housing and assets, the plan is to broaden these roles to encompass a wider tenant perspective and improve communication between residents and the council.
“Recognising and reporting ASB and nuisance behaviour will be a key element of these roles,” the report said.
Cllr Cowell emphasized that the rollout of community champions must be approached with caution to ensure the safety of volunteers.
Dudley’s cabinet member for housing and homelessness, Cllr Ian Bevan, acknowledged the concerns but highlighted the potential benefits: “While residents’ participation is valuable, it does not replace the council’s responsibilities. If volunteers are protected properly, they could contribute significantly to community safety.”