Integrated Diversion and Offender Management (IDOM)

Wolverhampton is one of six nationwide pilot IDOM areas. IDOM is a strategic approach that brings a number of public and charitable organisations together to prioritise intervention with offenders and potential offenders. The local team, led by Wolverhampton police, manages an identified group of individuals, using pooled resources to deter them from crime.

As part of the Wolverhampton IDOM strategy, partner agencies the Probation Service, Wolverhampton Homes, Addiction Services, Supporting Others Through Voluntary Action (SOVA) mental health and drugs workers will be co-located at Bilston Street police station in the city centre. They join the police team which consists of an inspector, a sergeant and five officers experienced in offender management.

A police spokesman said: “Co-locating the major partner agencies demonstrates joined-up working – it will streamline the need for meetings and will produce a more structured approach to offender management in Wolverhampton.”

The partnership approach is designed to reduce crime and re-offending, avoid duplication of services and improve public confidence in the criminal justice system.

Examples of positive interventions include:

A prolific and priority offender (PPO) – an established burglar and class A drug user – has been regularly visited by officers as part of the management programme. On his latest release from prison – in September 2009 – he said he was prepared to change his lifestyle and asked for help. Since then he has responded well to supervision from the probation service and police offender managers. As part of a resettlement plan he was referred to Turning Point, an organisation which offers employment support, and has undertaken voluntary work with the Service User Involvement Team (SUIT) in Wolverhampton. His offending has stopped and he has been removed from PPO status.

Partnership working has been the key to another PPO ceasing to offend. The class A drug addict with convictions for burglary, robbery and theft has received consistent drug treatment support and counselling for mental health issues. This has resulted in him building strong relationships with key workers who have played vital roles in addressing his personal issues. Since his most recent release from prison in July 2009, he has made good progress and had his PPO status removed.

A 15-year-old girl came to IDOM attention after she was found in possession of a knife in school. In partnership with the Youth Offending Team, the teenager was counselled about the potential consequences of carrying a knife and the agencies have assisted with school liaison. Since then, she has not re-offended.

Another PPO had formed part of an organised crime team that travelled across the country, committing burglaries at commercial premises. He has served a number of prison sentences but on his most recent release indicated it was time to change. He has been closely monitored and taken an enthusiastic approach towards working with police offender managers and the probation service. He has recently successfully completed a machine operating course and is working with Turning Point. His PPO status has now been removed.