Criminal Justice Strategy hampered by poor communication

DHA CEO says focus required on cross-governmental relations

A lack of communication between government departments has been cited as one reason the Criminal Justice Strategy hasn't made any headway.

The strategy for the Island was introduced by Tynwald in December 2012 - including the establishment of a Criminal Justice Board.

At a committee hearing at Legislative Council today, however, it was stated a number of objectives had still not been met six years later.

The Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice Committee questioned the interim CEO of the Department of Home Affairs, Dan Davies: (play audio)

The standing committee of Tynwald is made up of Jane Poole-Wilson MLC and MHKs Lawrie Hooper and Chris Robertshaw.

They also questioned Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey and the deputy CEO of the department, Julian Lalor-Smith.

'A lack of capacity for change'

The meeting at the Legislative Council Chamber focused on where the Criminal Justice Strategy is headed next, as well as what have been cited as 'failings in the youth justice team.'

A 'lack of capacity for change' was reasoned by Mr Davies, as to why six years later the strategy still hasn't hit its targets.

More scrutiny came under the guise of data surrounding reoffending rates, and the lack thereof.

Mr Hooper in particular grappled with the absence of data, which was provided in 2012, but hasn't been collated since.

Mr Malarkey said the digitisation coming into force across the department would make major, positive changes to the collection of data.

The full hearing is available to listen to again via Tywnald's website.