RELEASE: Initiative tackling anti-social behaviour making strides across Dorset
A programme to tackle anti-social behaviour in Dorset through reparative and restorative activities is making strides to rehabilitate first-time and low-level offenders.
Immediate Justice is a scheme for adult offenders who have committed anti-social behaviour (ASB)-related offences including criminal damage, public order, and other low-level crimes. The initiative is only available to suitable first-time or low-level offenders.
It is just one of the measures used by Dorset Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and key partners to tackle anti-social behaviour in Dorset.
Eligible offenders are referred by Dorset Police to partner agency, Red Snapper Managed Services (RSMS), who assign tasks for completion under supervision for the benefit of the local community and within days of the offence being committed. The activities involve seven or 14 hours of unpaid work which could include clearing up public spaces, litter picking, supporting local charities and other tasks.
The scheme is a visible way of demonstrating to communities that anti-social behaviour and low-level offending are treated seriously and urgently, while also acting as a deterrent to others. Repeat offenders continue to be prosecuted through the criminal justice system.
Since the programme began in Dorset in November 2023, nearly 60 people have been referred to the programme by Dorset Police, BCP Council and Dorset Council with around 200 hours of work completed, and more than 200 hours currently scheduled for completion.
Under the scheme, offenders may also be required to complete anti-social behaviour awareness courses or take part in a community conference delivered by Restorative Solutions. These are important measures where the emphasis is on education and support to effect change and reduce instances of further offending, as well as making amends through restorative justice.
One service user, who was referred to the programme after committing their first ever offence said Immediate Justice ‘gave me a second chance’.
The woman, who is in her 20s and completed seven hours of unpaid work said: “This was a wake-up call for me. I’ve never been in trouble before and I’m grateful for Immediate Justice. I felt embarrassed when I started the work, but the supervisor was very supportive.
“Having a second chance means I can make changes in my life which are positive and prevent me making another costly mistake. I won’t take it for granted.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I am pleased by the progress this scheme is making in Dorset and it is good to see a message is being sent that these crimes will not be tolerated in our county.
“I know the harm anti-social behaviour can cause communities and I want people in Dorset to know that we take incidents extremely seriously. This project ensures residents can have confidence in reporting incidents of ASB as they can clearly see the results of the work offenders have to undertake as reparation.
“The initiative provides an opportunity for low-level or first-time offenders to give back to the community and change their behaviour going forward.
“Measures like this produce real results and cut re-offending, and as I continue the mission to make Dorset the safest place, these initiatives are vital to ensure our residents feel safer and see positive results.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner also runs the Operation Relentless Community Fund, to empower communities to help address incidents of anti-social behaviour, along with the Fix The Future Community Fund to support projects and initiatives which benefit young people and provide them with opportunities.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan from Dorset Police said: “I am delighted this scheme is already making a positive impact for communities in Dorset.
“We know anti-social behaviour has a detrimental effect on residents and businesses, and we will continue to work tirelessly alongside our partners to robustly tackle these issues and keep our communities safe.”
Jonathan Hussey, Operations Director of Red Snapper Managed Services, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in Dorset and Dorset Police in order to tackle anti-social behaviour. It is an issue that can have a detrimental impact on communities and individual residents.
“Immediate Justice does provide an element of punishment and deterrence for this type of behaviour, but also encourages individuals to do something positive with their time and make better choices in future.”
Jackie Willson, Service Delivery Manager at Restorative Solutions said: “The Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Course and Community Conferencing initiatives are both key parts of this process in Dorset.
“As well as placing victims at the centre of the restorative justice process, both measures deliver effective interventions to change behaviours and ensure offenders understand the full impact of their actions.”
You can find out more about where to report ASB here - Antisocial behaviour | Dorset Police
More information about Immediate Justice can be found here Immediate Justice in Dorset · Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner