Commissioner Seeks Views on Dealing With Offenders of Low Level Crime and Anti-social Behaviour

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, Richard Rhodes, is today launching a public consultation to give people a say on how offenders of certain low level crime and anti-social behaviour can be dealt with.

From this autumn, victims of low level crime and anti-social behaviour will have a say in the sanction given to the offender by the police from a menu of Community Remedy options. This is being introduced through the recent Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which places a statutory duty on all Police and Crime Commissioners to develop and publish a list of 'Community Remedies’.

The Community Remedy document could include options for the offender to repair damage to property, clean up graffiti or receive a sanction proportionate to the crime. Victims can also request to meet the offender (in a controlled setting known as Restorative Justice) where they can ask the offender direct questions, seek an explanation for their actions, explain the impact of the offenders behaviour, and ask for an apology. So far, experience of informal arrangements that presently exist along these lines have been positively received by victims and offenders alike.

On launching the consultation, Richard Rhodes said “Community Remedy allows victims of anti-social behaviour and low level crime a voice by enabling them to have a say in how offenders are dealt with. Putting victims at the heart of all our work is something that I have advocated from day one, and I welcome the opportunity to engage with people on the Community Remedy options  to reinforce this commitment.

“I would urge as many people as possible take the chance to have their say on this important change by completing the questionnaire on my website. Following the consultation, I will draw up the Community Remedy document and agree it with the Chief Constable, before publishing it in October.”

The questionnaire can be completed online at http://www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/working-for-you/public-consultation.aspx

Alternatively, copies can be downloaded from the website: www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or obtained from my office.  Email: commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk, or tel: 01768 217734