Watchdog His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services said police forces must do more to deal with anti-social behaviour in their areas
Labour’s policing minister has vowed to turn around failures after a damning report found forces must do more to tackle antisocial behaviour.
Dame Diana Johnson made the pledge after His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) warned “too many” don’t understand how widespread it is. The document found crimes that blight people’s lives are viewed as “low level” and chiefs don’t recognise the trauma inflicted on victims.
It warns that poor recording of cases means people causing harassment and distress are going unpunished. Dame Diana said: “Too often when people report anti-social behaviour there is a real sense that no one comes and nothing is done, with victims and communities feeling abandoned.
“Today’s report makes clear that for this new government to turn the tide on anti-social behaviour we need police forces across England and Wales to get the basics right and I expect the police to act upon these recommendations so that no community has to face the scourge of anti-social behaviour alone.”
She said Labour will deliver thousands of extra neighbourhood police and community support officers as well as “tougher” measures to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour. This includes ramping up town centre patrols and bringing in ASBO-style Respect Orders to tackle repeat offenders.
The report said police “must and can do better” in cracking down on anti-social behaviour.
Lee Freeman, HM Inspector of Constabulary, said: “It (anti-social behaviour) is sometimes perceived, and referred to, as low-level crime by the police, public and media.
“However, this doesn’t reflect the profound impact and trauma it can have on victims.”
He said “inadequate” IT systems and a lack of analytical expertise is holding police back, and highlighted “inconsistent” approaches by forces.
These include poor training of officers and limited recording of incidents. Mr Freeman said: “The police must and can do better.”
