Testing the temperature of local tensions

Regeneration and Renewal reports that a system of indicators is being tested, with DCLG funding, to help monitor levels of 'community tensions' in order to try and avert riots and disturbances.

The early warning system will consist of 30 to 40 indicators taken from datasets already in use by local authorities, and will be piloted in London.

Ted Cantle is reported as making reference to the ways in which local people are sensitive to tensions often long before confrontational behaviour erupts - local taxi drivers for instance express disquiet about entering certain areas.

It's interesting to see this as an example of formal and informal systems coming together. I'm curious to see precisely how neighbourhood management systems will interface with the grapevine, to get the necessary data. The better they do it, the less they'll need it, probably.