Inspectorate report “crucial opportunity” for forces to scale up response to anti-social behaviour

Today, Thursday 10 October, HMICFRS published the findings of their recent report The policing response to antisocial behaviour. Highlighting findings from the police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL) programme, the review — among other things — concluded that many forces need to improve how they record anti-social behaviour.

Commenting on the report and its findings, the Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, said that she shares HMICFRS’s concerns, adding that it’s encouraging to see the inspectorate recognising that mislabelling of anti-social behaviour must change. She also welcomed progress by some forces, whilst stressing that response to ASB remains inconsistent and was pleased to see the inspectorate call for better protection of vulnerable victims.

Commenting on the report and its findings, the Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, said:

I share HMICFRS’s concerns and welcome these findings. Routinely mislabelling anti-social behaviour as ‘low-level’ only enables it to continue unchecked. This has been a significant source of frustration for me and for victims – and I’m encouraged by the inspectorate’s recognition that this must change.

The review highlights how victims are let down by forces failing to record anti-social behaviour as a crime. This is worrying and results in far too many victims not receiving the rights and support to which they are entitled. This is borne out in what victims tell me, and it must change.

We require a co-ordinated and joined-up policing approach to spot patterns of persistent anti-social behaviour. Improved identification and consistent recording of incidents are vital if we are to provide any respite to victims.

While it’s encouraging to see some forces making progress with victim-focused approaches and tools, good practices remain inconsistent, leaving victims’ chances of receiving help—or resolving their situations—patchy at best.

The inspectorate calls for better identification and protection of vulnerable victims — echoing the findings of my recent report. I urge forces to take the necessary steps to implement this, to drive better safeguarding and ensure that vulnerable victims of anti-social behaviour do not get lost in the system.

We can and must do better. This report presents forces with a crucial opportunity to scale up their response to anti-social behaviour, bring respite to victims and build safer communities.

ENDS