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POLICY – Anti-Social Behaviour

Number: A 1000 Date Published: 20 October 2016

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1.0 Summary of Changes

On its yearly review this policy has been amended to reflect a change in ownership.

2.0 What this Policy is about

2.1 Essex Police Strategic Aim & Principles for Managing ASB

Our policy is based upon a number of principles and the overriding aim to:

“Work in partnership to tackle effectively and efficiently high risk of harm and/or prolonged suffering in our communities due to ASB.”

Essex Police has a wide range of responsibilities, which arise from distinct roles, in dealing with ASB our role is one of being a statutory member of the Essex Community Safety Partnership. Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 we must work with other agencies to reduce crime and disorder in Essex.

The policy embraces and complements the principle of the ‘Code of Practice for Victims of Crime’ to provide an ‘enhanced service to vulnerable victims’.

2.2 General Principles

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is defined under section 2 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 as:

a) Conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person;

b) Conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation to that person’s occupation of residential premises; or

c) Conduct capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance to any person.

Some ASB such as theft, threats, assaults and damage are criminal offences and should be dealt with as such. Other kinds of ASB whilst not criminal may still cause fear and anxiety and can degrade the quality of life for individuals and communities.

It is essential to have a sound risk assessment process in place at first point of contact and at regular review points, to ensure we are able to identify incidents which have a high risk of harm, involve vulnerable persons or involve repeat victims. The Threat, Harm, Risk, Investigation, Vulnerability, Engagement (THRIVE) model will be adopted to enable our staff to assess incidents at an early stage.

It is well recognised that no agency working alone is likely to be able to resolve most reports of antisocial behaviour. We therefore need to work with our partners to reduce ASB within our county.

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED

POLICY – Anti-Social Behaviour

Number: A 1000 Date Published: 20 October 2016

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It is important that a ‘lead agency’ who can take the overall responsibility for managing a case of ASB is identified at the earliest opportunity to ensure victims are kept safe from further harm.

3.0 Statement of Policy

It is not always necessary, nor feasible, for Essex Police to respond in person to all reports of ASB.

We will ensure that incidents are risk assessed and apply an appropriate response, in many cases this is likely to be a referral to partner agencies to resolve.

We will record incidents of ASB in a consistent and accurate manner in accordance with the National Standard for Incident Recording to help the police in partnership with local communities to map ASB and to tackle the harm it causes, acknowledging that Crime and ASB can be connected.

Essex Police acknowledges that ASB can have a considerable effect on people and the effectiveness of the service provided in response to such incidents as well as communication with victims will play a significant part in determining levels of confidence in the police service. It is also important that we communicate when an incident is not considered to be ASB and record it as such.

Communities expect a robust response from the police where the behaviour causes or is likely to cause significant harm. Our focus of activity will therefore reflect this and we will respond to incidents of ASB where:

Vulnerability and / or a high risk of threat or harm is identified;

Repeat locations are identified and cause a high risk of threat or harm to a person or community;

An offender is identified who requires police intervention to manage their behaviour;

A repeat victim is identified who requires a supportive package to be put in place by police.

A 1001 Procedure – Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour provides detailed direction to Essex Police officers and staff, to ensure the aims of this policy are achieved.

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POLICY – Anti-Social Behaviour

Number: A 1000 Date Published: 20 October 2016

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4.0 Implications of the Policy

4.1 Finance / Staffing / Training / Other

Addressing ASB requires focused attention to problem solving and robust multi-agency interaction. Positive police, public and partner relations, as well as combined responses are essential to meeting the aims of this policy.

There are no specific financial implications associated with this policy.

Any staffing and training issues will be identified by local line managers with quality checks conducted by Local Policing Support Unit, Headquarters.

4.2 Risk Assessments

Failure to implement the provisions of this policy and the associated procedure is likely to undermine the organisational strategy to provide a safer community within Essex.

4.3 Equality Impact Assessment

EIA Form

5.0 Consultation

The following were invited to provide feedback in the consultation phase during the formulation of this policy and its associated procedure document:

DMU

FCR Chief Inspector

NPT Inspectors

LPT Inspectors

ASB Coordinator

Chief Superintendent West LPA

Strategic Change Team Chief Inspector

Force Crime & Incident Registrar

6.0 Monitoring and Review

This policy will be subject to review by, or on behalf of, the Head of Local Policing Support Unit every 12 months to ensure it remains accurate and fit for purpose.

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POLICY – Anti-Social Behaviour

Number: A 1000 Date Published: 20 October 2016

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7.0 Related Force policies or related procedures

A 1001 Procedure - Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour

B 0301 Procedure - Repeat Victimisation

8.0 Other source documents, e.g. legislation, Authorised Professional Practice (APP), partnership agreements (if applicable)

None