Getting ready for the PPO strategy: managing prolific and other priority offenders in Birmingham

The Prolific and other Priority Offender (PPO) strategy was introduced by the Home Office in the summer of 2004, with the central aim of reducing crime and reducing re- offending by those who persistently cause the most crime and harm locally. Within Birmingham, this was introduced into a context where a number of existing projects and strategies were already being implemented on a piecemeal basis to address specific targeted offenders, either through the Persistent Offender Partnership programme (POPP), or Project Chrysalis. Strategic direction on the management of prolific offenders in Birmingham is provided through the Drug Treatment and Offender Management Core Priority Group. The situation in Birmingham with regards to managing prolific and other priority offenders is highly complex, involving many partners at both strategic and delivery levels. This study aimed to assess the current provision of services for prolific and other priority offenders in Birmingham, and to identify gaps in the service delivery that can inform the development of the local PPO strategy and an action plan for the forthcoming year. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 key personnel involved at either the strategic or service delivery level for the PPO strategy. In addition to this, interviews were conducted with six offenders who were or had previously been on the POPP scheme. These covered a number of areas, including access to services, case management, partnership working, information sharing and tracking of offenders through the system.