New powers to tackle antisocial behaviour
Respect Orders came into force this week, giving police, councils and other authorities stronger powers to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour.
Courts can impose restrictions, such as banning offenders from town centres or preventing them from drinking in public places. They can also issue unlimited fines, impose curfews and require offenders to undertake unpaid work or treatment to address the causes of their behaviour.
Police, local councils, housing association landlords and transport networks can apply for a Respect Order. To qualify, an individual must have engaged in, or threatened to engage in, behaviour that has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Breaching an order is a criminal offence. Police can arrest offenders, who could face up to two years in prison. Orders will be recorded on the Police National Computer to help officers identify breaches.
Respect Orders replace civil injunctions for adult offenders and, unlike previous measures such as Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), can require offenders to take steps to address the underlying causes of their behaviour.
