Police forces must do more to tackle antisocial behaviour and
understand its prevalence in their local communities, the police
inspectorate has said.
In a new PEEL spotlight report “The policing response to
antisocial behaviour”, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary
and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found that most forces
need to improve how they identify, record and respond to
antisocial behaviour, and how they protect vulnerable people.
Around 1 million antisocial behaviour incidents were reported to
the police, in the year ending 30 September 2023, having a
significant impact upon communities and victims' lives.
Inspectors found good examples of forces working hard at using
problem-solving approaches and allocating trained officers in
response. Some forces are also making good use of technology to
encourage reporting of incidents and collect information from the
public.
Crucially, inspectors found forces were often good at formal and
informal effective early interventions. For example, using
warning letters and initiatives to reduce reoffending and harms
of this behaviour.
However, examples of good practice are inconsistent across all
forces. The commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour is
undermined by several difficulties in sharing data with partners.
Police forces need to address IT issues, poor-quality training
and a lack of analytical expertise that are currently preventing
them from using data as effectively as they could.
HMICFRS has made eight recommendations to police forces. The
inspectorate said that there needs to be greater consistency in
the recording of incidents, as well as in the use of statutory
powers available to forces and appropriate training provided.
This would enable them to take robust action against the minority
of people repeatedly causing harassment and distress.
Forces need to put a renewed focus in resourcing neighbourhood
police teams and recognising the importance of their continual
presence in their communities in order to build public trust and
confidence.
His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Lee Freeman
said:
“Antisocial behaviour is a blight on many in our communities. It
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.
“It is vital forces understand the complexity and prevalence of
antisocial behaviour, and key to this is effective early
intervention.
“While there are good examples of the police working hard, there
are challenges faced, including difficulties sharing data due to
inadequate IT systems and a lack of analytical expertise.
“Additionally, there can be inconsistent approaches by forces,
whether through poor training of officers, limited recording of
incidents and the evaluation of outcomes.
“The police must and can do better. In my recommendations, I urge
forces to recognise the importance of how they and their partners
identify, record and respond to antisocial behaviour. Our
communities must feel confident their local force will tackle it
effectively.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- This report brings together findings from our police
effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL) programme,
force management
statements and a request for promising practice
from the College of Policing
to all forces in England and Wales.
- We drew on evidence from a range of sources, including
academic research, national guidance and findings from:
- This report focuses on the police response to antisocial
behaviour. It also highlights examples of positive practice and
joint working between the police and other organisations vital to
addressing antisocial behaviour.
