ASB not a police problem but a partnership problem
APCC Local Policing Leads reinforce the collective responsibility that we all have in tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) as part of ASB Awareness Week.
The week which runs from 18 – 25 July aims to raise awareness of the impact of anti-social behaviour in our communities and inform the wider public about the vital role we all play in tackling ASB.
APCC Joint Local Policing Leads and Police and Crime Commissioners Steve Turner and Jeff Cuthbert said: “Anti-social behaviour has a devastating impact on victims and communities and can threaten fundamental aspects of everyday life.
“Nobody should feel frightened, threatened or unsafe in their own community and prevention is absolutely key in ensuring those who engage in anti-social behaviours do not continue down a path of causing further distress and harm within our communities.
“What is important to reiterate is that anti-social behaviour is not a policing issue; it is a partnership issue.
“Police and Crime Commissioners play a crucial role in bringing together partners and agencies to tackle issues in the community on behalf of the public. Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority highlighted in all police and crime plans in England and Wales. As the voice of the public, we continue to fund preventative projects and initiatives and work with partners to support vulnerable young people.
“Nationally, we are working with all PCCs reviewing the tools, powers and levers to respond and prevent ASB locally.”
Steve Turner, who is also Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, shared how local initiatives have played a vital part in preventing ASB and reducing re-offending.
He said: “The Safer Streets fund has had a significant impact on prevention by increasing street lighting, increased vigilance by community watch groups and additional patrols from neighbourhood policing teams.
“We have also invested in a Divert programme in Cleveland which aims to steer first level and low-level offenders away from the criminal justice system and towards support. The programme has seen a 94 per cent success in reducing re-offending, in all participants that have successfully completed the programme.
“These community initiatives are vital in providing the support for vulnerable people and assist in reducing the demand on the police through prevention.
“As part of ASB Awareness Week we are also reminding the public of the importance of reporting all incidents of ASB to the appropriate authority.
“Many people don’t report issues because they assume that authorities are already aware. We can all play a role in tackling ASB and have the collective responsibility in ensuring everybody in our communities feels safe.”
Find out more about the work PCCs do to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour in their communities in our ASB In Focus report.