皇冠体育app

As part of the ongoing shake-up of anti-social behaviour (ASB) powers, designed to put the public in the driving seat, crime prevention minister Jeremy Browne unveiled plans to introduce a community remedy.

皇冠体育app new power will allow victims to choose from a list of punishment options, agreed with their local police and crime commissioner (PCC), and is one of a number of measures designed to tackle ASB which today moved a step closer to becoming legislation following the introduction of a draft bill.

Jeremy Browne said:

鈥榁ictims of anti-social behaviour and low level crime often feel powerless but now we are giving victims back their voice.

鈥楾his new power will mean visible justice, straight away, providing transparency to the public, who rightly want to see fair and meaningful punishments.鈥�

皇冠体育app community remedy will be tailored to local areas, and apply to crimes such as low level criminal damage or assault without injury, where a prison term is not applicable. 皇冠体育app types of punishments which could feature on a remedy menu include:

• the offender signing an acceptable behaviour contract;
• participation in structured activities such as alcohol or drug treatment;
• mediation - for example, to resolve a neighbour dispute;
• paying compensation to the victim (for example for any damage caused);
• reparation to the victim (for example repairing damage or cleaning graffiti off a wall);
• reparation to the community (for example by doing local unpaid work for up to 10 hours).

皇冠体育app home office is now inviting members of the public and frontline professionals to share their views on the community remedy before it becomes law, via a consultation launched today. If offenders do not agree to the community remedy then civil, or in some cases, criminal sanctions may be pursued.

Today鈥檚 announcement follows the launch of the government鈥檚 ASB white paper in May this year, which committed to overhauling existing ASB powers, to give greater priority to victims and empower communities to find local solutions to local problems.

This includes slashing the wide range of powers currently available by over two thirds; from 19 to six. 皇冠体育app new streamlined powers will be faster, more flexible and, crucially, will allow professionals to stop ASB and seek to change behaviour.

Victims who feel their problems are not being taken seriously by local agencies will also have the right to force action through a community trigger, which is currently being piloted in Manchester, Brighton and Hove, West Lindsey and the London Borough of Richmond.

Jeremy Browne added:

鈥楢nti-social behavior blights the lives of thousands of people every day.

鈥極ur reforms will place power back in the hands of the people, giving them a proper say in how their local area is policed.鈥�

All the ASB reforms are contained in a draft bill, published today, which will now be scrutinised by the home affairs select committee, ahead of their report next year.

Notes to editors

For further information please contact the home office press office on 020 7035 3535.