Release: Police and Crime Commissioner welcomes ‘Immediate Justice' plans
The government has announced that under the new Anti-Social Behaviour Plan, Dorset will be one of the areas for the new ‘Immediate Justice’ pilot scheme, where swift and visible punishments are delivered to those who have committed anti-social behaviour (ASB). The Plan also sees a ban on nitrous oxide and gives the police more powers to test for drugs on arrest, so more suspected criminals can be tested, and more drugs tested for, including ecstasy and methamphetamine.
The new ‘Immediate Justice’ scheme, will target those found committing ASB and will make perpetrators repair the damage they have inflicted on victims and the community. The ambition is for the a quick turnaround and work happening as soon as 48 hours after their offence, so victims know anti-social behaviour is treated seriously and with urgency.
Offenders, who will be made to wear high-vis vests or jumpsuits and work under supervision, could be made to pick up litter, remove graffiti and wash police cars as punishment for their actions, and victims of anti-social behaviour from the local community will be given a say in offenders’ punishments to ensure justice is visible and fits the crime. The government has said that these schemes will be launched as soon as possible and follow research that shows anti-social behaviour is the main reason people do not feel safe in their local area.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has welcomed the move by the government: “I am delighted by the governments new proposals to tackle anti-social behaviour. From the moment I became PCC, I have been lobbying government to take action on ASB and campaigning for Dorset to get more attention and to get the funding it needs to tackle such issues. Getting to those who are responsible for bringing the misery of ASB into our towns and villages and having them make reparation, will mean a great deal to the victims and communities of Dorset.
“I am also really pleased to see that the government has ‘stood up’ and been brave enough to ban nitrous oxide gas. The drug is now the third most used among 16 to 24-year-olds in England and both the police and public have repeatedly reported links between use of the drug and nuisance or anti-social behaviour. I have long been campaigning for action and raising awareness about the use of nitrous oxide gas (known as NOX) so I absolutely welcome the government’s decision to take decisive action, not just to tackle anti-social behaviour but to address the harm caused by this drug.”