Communities to set restorative sanctions

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg has begun a consultation process which will see communities across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly set their own list of restorative sanctions for low level offences.

Mr Hogg is asking individuals and organisations across the peninsula to take part in the survey on a new Government initiative, the Community Remedy, which will give victims a say in how those who commit low level crime and antisocial behaviour are dealt with.

The Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, places a duty on police and crime commissioners to consult with members of the public and community representatives on what punitive, restorative or rehabilitative actions they consider appropriate to be included in its Community Remedy document.

This list could include mediation, a written or verbal apology, the perpetrator signing an acceptable behaviour contract or attending a neighbourhood justice panel for restorative justice, repairing damage to property or cleaning graffiti, paying an appropriate amount for damage to be repaired or stolen property to be replaced, taking part in structured activities that are either educational or rehabilitative or reparation to the community such as doing local unpaid work

The Community Remedy document will give police the means to put victims at the heart of any punishment of offenders.

Before deciding if a community remedy is appropriate a police officer must have evidence that the perpetrator has engaged in antisocial behaviour or has committed an offence. The perpetrator must also admit to the behaviour or offence.

The officer must believe that the evidence is enough for court proceedings to take place or to impose a caution, but considers that a community resolution would be more appropriate.

Both the victim and the offender must agree to the process taking place and the officer must agree that any chosen penalty is proportionate.

If an offender fails to comply with a conditional caution or youth conditional caution they can face court action for the offence.

“Community Remedy puts victims at the heart of the decision making process when it comes to dealing with low level offending. It means that every member of society can play a significant role in tackling antisocial behaviour and low-level crime, and providing an effective, local focus to resolving problems,” said Justin Wiggin, the OPCC public engagement manager.

“I would urge everyone with a community conscience to engage in this consultation so that the public and community representatives can decide on what punitive, restorative or rehabilitative actions best suit their communities.”

The consultation will close on 30 June 2014.