ASB System Design
A local authority approached us with concerns about the effectiveness of their existing anti-social behaviour (ASB) service. The current process lacked coordination between agencies, was inconsistent in applying the tools and powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and had no clear framework for managing high-risk victims or repeat offenders.
In response, we undertook a comprehensive redesign of their ASB service, focusing on improving victim and offender management, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing accountability.
Review and Redesign Process
We began by conducting a full review of existing ASB practices, interviewing key stakeholders across the local authority, police, and housing providers to identify gaps in service delivery. Our analysis revealed inefficiencies in case management, a lack of formal policies for using tools and powers under the 2014 Act, and limited collaboration between partners. We also observed a fragmented approach to supporting vulnerable victims and managing persistent offenders.
Development of New Policies and Procedures
Based on the findings, we developed a suite of new policies and procedures, incorporating a victim-offender-location (VOL) approach. This ensured that the management of ASB was holistic and focused not only on addressing the perpetrator but also protecting victims and improving the safety of key localities. The new procedures included clear guidance on how and when to use the tools and powers available under the 2014 Act, such as Civil Injunctions, Community Protection Notices (CPNs), and Closure Orders, ensuring interventions were applied proportionately.
Implementation of Problem-Solving Forums and Panels:
To address complex ASB cases, we established local problem-solving forums where multi-agency partners, including police, housing providers, and social services, could collaborate on case strategies. A Community Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (CMARAC) was introduced to manage high-risk, vulnerable victims, bringing together agencies to offer tailored support. Additionally, an Offender Panel was developed to manage interventions for persistent offenders, ensuring a balanced use of enforcement and rehabilitation.
Risk and Vulnerability Assessments
We created a structured risk and vulnerability assessment tool, specifically designed to assess victims' and offenders' risk levels. This tool, implemented across all agencies, ensured that every case was assessed consistently, allowing for timely escalation of high-risk cases and improved victim safeguarding.
Integration with Police and Housing Providers
A critical component of the redesign was integrating these new practices into the work of both the police and housing providers. We worked closely with these partners to align their case management processes with the new ASB framework, ensuring seamless coordination. Joint training sessions were conducted to embed the new procedures, and software tools were introduced to streamline case management across all partners, allowing for better tracking, data sharing, and accountability.
Use of Technology and Data Analysis
We introduced new case management software that enabled real-time tracking of ASB cases, improved data sharing between agencies, and allowed for comprehensive case histories to be maintained. The software also included analytics features, which helped in identifying vulnerable localities and high-risk victims or offenders. This data was instrumental in applying situational crime prevention techniques, such as enhanced security measures and environmental improvements in ASB hotspots.
Governance and Accountability
The governance of the redesigned ASB service was incorporated into the existing Community Safety Partnership (CSP), ensuring that accountability was shared across all agencies. Regular CSP meetings reviewed the outcomes of the CMARAC, problem-solving forums, and offender panels, providing oversight and ensuring that tools and powers were used effectively and proportionately.
Training and Change Management
To ensure the success of the new processes, we designed and delivered a comprehensive training program for all relevant staff. This training covered the new policies, risk assessment tools, and the use of the case management software. Recognising that organisational change can be challenging, we employed **change management techniques**, involving staff at every stage and holding regular stakeholder engagement sessions to secure buy-in and feedback.
Outcomes
The redesigned ASB service successfully transformed how the local authority managed anti-social behaviour. Key achievements include:
- Improved victim support: High-risk, vulnerable victims are now managed through the CMARAC, ensuring coordinated support from all relevant agencies.
- Targeted offender management: Persistent offenders are addressed through the Offender Panel, using a combination of enforcement and rehabilitation strategies.
- Proportionate use of tools and powers: The new policies ensured that ASB interventions are now consistent and proportional, using the full range of tools under the 2014 Act.
- Data-driven decision-making: The use of analytics and case management software has allowed for better identification of vulnerable localities, leading to targeted situational crime prevention and a reduction in ASB incidents.
- Enhanced accountability: The integration of the new practices into the CSP governance framework ensures ongoing oversight and continuous improvement.
The local authority, police, and housing providers have since commended the new ASB service, noting its efficiency, accountability, and positive impact on reducing anti-social behaviour in the community.