Acceptable Behaviour Contracts Better Than ASBOs?
Home Office Press Release
23 August 2007
The Home Secretary today called on police and local authorities across the country to use the successful Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) to nip anti-social behaviour in the bud. The widespread and effective use of ABCs in tackling anti-social behaviour has brought respite to thousands of communities across England and Wales, as the number of ABCs in place has reached 25,000. The effects are shown in the 94% of areas where local people had seen a fall in anti-social behaviour. Also today, the Government published guidance aimed at those on the front-line in the fight against anti-social behaviour on how to make the best of ABCs. The guidance has been drawn up with the support of a range of agencies, including the police and local authorities. It brings together examples of best practice and reflects how ABCs are being used effectively across the country as part of the toolkit for tackling anti-social behaviour.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:
"I am committed to building on the excellent progress made across the country by the police, local authorities and local communities working together to tackle anti-social behaviour, using the tools and powers available. Twenty five thousand individuals have now faced up to the effect of their behaviour and agreed to change their ways. This is why recent figures showed that in more than 9 out of 10 local areas, local people had reported falls in anti-social behaviour.
"I want the available support and tools used effectively and everywhere, which is why I am publishing the new Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) guidance, which gives those on the front-line in the fight against anti-social behaviour practical advice on getting the best out of ABCs.
"The Government has always taken the approach of enforcement and support. Using the right intervention is the key to bringing about a positive long-term change in behaviour and it is very important that we continue to provide guidance and make training available on the use of tools to any practitioner who needs it."
An Acceptable Behaviour Contract is a written, voluntary agreement between a person who has been involved in anti-social behaviour and the police and local services whose role it is to prevent such behaviour. They involve an acknowledgement by the individual that their behaviour is having a negative impact on the community and an agreement to stop that behaviour. ABCs can also include positive activities that the individual agrees to complete. Examples include attending school regularly, taking part in a local youth diversion scheme or attending drug or alcohol misuse support. ABCs are useful for stopping low levels of anti-social behaviour but their flexibility means they can also be used in more serious situations.
Mike Goodwin, ACPO lead on Anti-Social Behaviour and Assistant Chief Constable of Leicestershire Constabulary said:
"Police, working together with local authority and youth justice partners have found that in many cases where ABCs have been issued - offending will stop without recourse to legal remedies - which is great news for local people whose lives are blighted by anti-social or inconsiderate behaviour.
"Where the terms of the ABC are not followed then this provides good evidence for firm follow up intervention whether by applying for an ASBO or using criminal law where appropriate.
"The best practice guidance on ABCs is welcomed as a tool to assist neighbourhood policing teams working with local people and local partners to continue to tackle ASB."
Over the last ten years a number of tools and powers have been introduced for the police and other local agencies to use to tackle anti-social behaviour and bring about a change in behaviour. 65 percent of people stop behaving anti-socially after one intervention such as a written warning or a home visit. For those who don't stop, ABCs aim to help those guilty of anti-social behaviour to recognise the impact of their behaviour and the need to take responsibility for their actions. The Home Office is providing a series of training seminars across the country between now and next April. This will give practitioners access to the latest best practice from experts in the field of tackling anti-social behaviour. We are also reviewing and updating the current guidance for the tools and powers available. The publication of today's ABC guidance is the first step towards this goal.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts are signed up to voluntarily and specify a list of anti-social acts in which the person can be shown to have been involved and which they agree not to continue. They are sometimes referred to as Acceptable Behaviour Agreements. Guidance on how to get the best out of them is being published today at http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/antisocialbehaviour/antisocialbehaviour058.htm
2. A survey by the Respect Task Force shows that almost 25,000 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been issued between October 2003 and March 2007.
3. Record numbers of police have lots of tools to deal with disorder and, as announced yesterday, they now have the power to formally remove potential alcohol-fuelled trouble makers from any locality. This is a preventative power intended to minimise the likelihood of alcohol-related crime and disorder from arising or taking place. If the troublemakers refuse to accept the direction to leave they can be arrested. Once accepted, an individual can be issued a fine of up to £2,500 if they fail to comply.
4. The case studies below are real examples of where ABCs have made a difference, but the individuals wish to remain anonymous. For more information, contact the North Tyneside Council Press Office on 0191 200 6960.
Case Studies - North Tyneside
1. Group of youths causing a nuisance and annoyance whilst congregating at a Metro Station.
Nine youths who caused nuisance and intimidation to residents at a Metro Station and a nearby public park signed ABCs. One of the prohibitions excluded the youths from entering the Metro Station and the public park. A map showing the exclusion area was attached to the ABC. The youths attended with their parents and each understood if their children's behaviour continued, the council would apply for:
* ASBOs in the case of the youths
And possibly the following based on the housing tenure of the parents:
* Council - Possession Proceedings
* Private rented - landlords would be contacted and assistance would be given in the possession process
* Owner occupier - Injunction for breach of covenant (former right to buy property)
The signing of the ABCs solved the problem.
2. 28 year old adult
A 28 year old male who lived in a council house with his elderly mother was called to sign an ABC following his continued engagement in criminal and anti-social behaviour on the estate in which he resided.
He was a prime candidate for an ASBO but he signed the ABC after assurances were given that the council will refrain from issuing possession proceedings in respect of his mother's tenancy as long as he kept out of trouble.
The breach section of the ABC warned him that a police or council led ASBO application would contain a request to have him excluded from the estate he resided in.
The male has kept out of trouble since signing the ABC.
3. Miscellaneous
Seven adults with a previous history of ASB signed up to ABCs as a pre-requisite of being offered a council tenancy