Dealing with anti-social behaviour
It's your choice
An explanation to parents of the five step process which the
Police use to deter young people from engaging in anti social
and/or criminal behaviour.
If an incident occurs involving a youth found in possession of
alcohol and/or a youth who is reasonably suspected of being
involved in anti-social behaviour an officer will complete a
form which is used to enable the details to be put on a database
and this activates:
Stage one
1st LETTER SENT TO PARENTS
The letter explains that when groups of youths congregate in an
area it can adversely affect the quality of life for local
residents. It goes on to explain that their child has been spoken
to by police and describes the incident that has occurred. It also
contains details of a website that provides information on a range
of activities that are available for young people.
a youth who is reasonably suspected of being involved in
anti-social behaviour
a youth found in possession of alcohol.
IF WITHIN 3 MONTHS ANOTHER INCIDENT OCCURS INVOLVING THE SAME
YOUNG PERSON IT WILL ACTIVATE:-
Stage two
2nd LETTER SENT TO PARENTS
This letter explains that police have now spoken twice to their
child and, like the first letter, describes the incident they have
been involved in. It also advises the parents that their child’s
behaviour is being recorded and explains how the Prevent &
Deter process works (see Stage Four).
HOME VISIT
If the second incident is sufficiently serious (eg involves being
in a group in possession of alcohol) a Police Officer and/or Police
Community Support Officer will also carry out a home visit to speak
to the young person in their parents’ presence about their
behaviour.
IF WITHIN A FURTHER 3 MONTHS ANOTHER INCIDENT OCCURS INVOLVING
THE SAME YOUNG PERSON IT WILL ACTIVATE:-
Stage three
HOME VISIT and 3rd LETTER
A Police Officer and/or Police Community Support Officer will carry
out a home visit to hand deliver the 3rd letter and to interview
the young person in their parents’ presence. The young person will
be told that their behaviour is unacceptable and that it is
attracting greater police attention. The parents will be informed
that the details of the visit will be discussed and a decision made
on what action is to be taken.
Once the decision has been made the parent will be contacted again
and consulted for their views.
IF A REFERRAL TO THE PREVENT & DETER PANEL IS MADE IT WILL
ACTIVATE STAGE FOUR
Stage four
PREVENT AND DETER
Prevent & Deter is a monthly meeting of a multi agency group
which among others includes the Police, Youth Offending Service,
Connexions, Straightline, Educational Welfare and Social Services.
The agencies involved discuss the anti social behaviour of the
young person and agree an action plan which will contain possible
diversions and may also suggest that an Acceptable Behaviour
Contract (ABC) is offered.
An ABC is a voluntary agreement which contains conditions that the
young person agrees to abide by in an effort to modify their
behaviour. An ABC lasts for 6 months and is monitored with review
meetings taking place at least every 2 months. Breaches of an ABC
are not criminal offences but they could provide evidence in
support of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) application.
IF THE YOUNG PERSON CONTINUES TO ENGAGE IN ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
THE PREVENT & DETER PANEL MAY DECIDE THAT THE ACTION PLAN HAS
FAILED AND THAT A REFERRAL TO THE INTERVENTION PANEL IS NECESSARY.
THIS WILL ACTIVATE STAGE FIVE:-
Stage five
INTERVENTION PANEL
The Intervention Panel is a multi agency group that meets monthly
to discuss the anti social and/or criminal behaviour of known
offenders. If a young person reaches this stage it is clear that
all avenues have been exhausted. If it is not possible to identify
any other diversions the Intervention Panel may decide to seek an
Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO). If the Court grants an ASBO it
will place conditions on the young person which will restrict their
behaviour and prevent them acting in an anti-social manner.
ASBOs last for a minimum of
2 years but can last for life. Anyone who breaches an ASBO can be
arrested.
If you would like any further information regarding this process
please contact:
Police Sergeant Richard Farnworth,
Community Safety, The Minto Centre, Nilsson Drive, Westfield,
Workington, CA14 5BD
Tel: 0845 33 00 247
Email:
richard.farnworth@cumbria.police.uk