Local Solutions: Examples (2)

a) Hampshire Constabulary has introduced a Force Strategy to counter aspects of anti-social behaviour called ‘Enforcing the Peace’ (ETP). As part of this strategy officers were involved in ETP patrols. These ‘high visibility’ patrols were undertaken 3-4 times per week by 4-5 officers (both shift & community beat) sent out in vans to identified problem locations. A tasking group determined the priorities for patrol. For example, at one location in Gosport there had been problems with late night damage to shop windows. Following consultation with local shopkeepers, additional high profile patrols were arranged to coincide with offending patterns. Subsequently a number of youths were arrested for criminal damage, ending the incidents of damage and the need for additional patrols. This is an example of a short term ‘quick win’ initiative, established on an ad hoc basis, temporarily running until the problem had been resolved.

Contact: CI Mike Dulson
Phone:01962 871035
e-mail mikedulson@hampshire.police.uk

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b) Devon & Cornwall Constabulary has established a ‘Quality of Life Team’ (QoL). This is a permanent dedicated unit set up to deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour. Members of the team analyse incidents of anti-social behaviour and identify the locations of repeat incidents. The team then undertakes high-visibility patrols in these areas. On Friday & Saturday nights the regular officers in the QoL team are supplemented by a number of special constables. Problem locations are visited 3-4 times in an evening, dispersing crowds, moving people on, or confiscating drink from under-age drinkers. As well as targeting problem locations the QoL team is available to the control room in case of spontaneous disturbances.

Contact: PS Paul Morgan
Phone: 0990777444

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c) In the Central Wirral Area of Merseyside Police, a ‘Townsafe’ team has been formed with geographic responsibility for policing central Birkenhead. Much of the team’s work is based on high profile enforcement policy and, mixes problem solving; multi-agency approaches with direct on-street enforcement. The team aims to challenge anti-social behaviour and more serious disorder associated with the town’s many pubs & nightclubs. As part of this there is a policy of charging drunks found in the area and of charging incidents of affray far more widely (approved with the local Crown Prosecution Service). The team is also highly involved in developing and organising multi-agency approaches enforcement operations predominantly focused on crime such as shoplifting, licensing offences, prostitution & drug-related crime.

Contact: Birkenhead Townsafe Team
Phone: 0151 777 2221

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d) Hampshire Police, as part of their ‘Enforcing the Peace’ strategy has produced a booklet that identifies 35 scenarios & potential legislation that may be used in anti-social behaviour circumstances. Among the eventualities covered are littering; riding/driving on a footpath; urinating in the street; causing a nuisance/disturbance on educational premises; selling tobacco to under 16s & begging.

Contact: CI Mike Dulson
Phone:01962 871035
e-mail: mikedulson@hampshire.police.uk

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e) In Burnley, police arranged a ‘Safer Estates Agreement’ with the Council & housing associations. The police agreed to provide evidence to the other 2 organisations to assist civil proceedings had been identified.

Contact: PS Jim Masterman
Phone: 01282 472185

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f) Greater Manchester Police have produced a leaflet, ‘Your Children: Your Responsibility a Parent’s Guide’. It explains what they are doing to tackle ‘youths causing annoyance, the behaviour covered by this term, & the sanctions available to the council for use against tenants whose children commit these acts. (‘Section 4 of your tenant’s agreement clearly explains that you are responsible for your child & anyone living with you. This responsibility stretches to the surrounding land & the local neighbourhood. If your child causes a breach of the agreement you could ultimately be convicted’).

Contact: Community Affairs Branch
Phone: 0161 8725050

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g) West Mercia Police successfully applied for an ASBO in Sept. 1999 against a 13-year-old youth that was harassing & intimidating neighbours by spitting, verbal abuse & a variety of sub-criminal behaviour. A total of 70 complaints had been received about this boy. The ASBO prohibits the boy from causing harassment & distress to residents on the local estate.

Contact: Mr. Leslie Martin Force Solicitor
Phone 01905 723000

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h) Blackburn & Darwan Police successfully applied for an ASBO against a 15 year old boy. Complaints had been received concerning the boy’s behaviour in the town center’s main shopping mall. His behaviour consisted of threatening & disorderly conduct directed at members of the public & shopping centre staff, on occasions targeting lone female workers who were frightened & intimidated. An ASBO was granted which included a clause excluding the boy from the shopping mall & the immediate surrounding area. He was also prevented from using threatening, abusive or insulting words & behaviour.

Contact: PC Dale Allen
Phone: 01254 353503
Email dale.allen@lancashire.police.uk

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i) Derbyshire Police successfully applied for an ASBO against a married couple who were causing excessive noise in their own home, then threatening & verbally abusing neighbours. The Order prohibits excessive noise between certain times of the day & threatening & abusive behaviour to neighbours.

Contact: CI Royston Smith
Phone: 01298726003

For detailed information on how to apply for ASBOs see Anti-Social Behaviour Orders – Guidance on drawing up local ASBO Protocols.

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