An inspection report into the policing response to antisocial behaviour
Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
Home Secretary
Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
2nd December 2024
An inspection report into the policing response to antisocial behaviour
I am writing to you in response to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection of the policing response to antisocial behaviour, published on the 10th of October 2024.
The report made 8 recommendations in total, with 5 for Chief Constables.
Antisocial behaviour has long been a priority for communities in West Mercia and therefore it is a priority for me, as Police and Crime Commissioner. The findings in this report resonate with the concerns frequently raised by the public and tackling ASB effectively requires not only robust police processes but also a partnership approach to problem-solving and community engagement.
Below I provide comment on some of the key issues set out in the report alongside comments from West Merica Police against each of the relevant recommendations.
Recording of Antisocial Behaviour and associated crimes
The report highlights inconsistencies in how forces identify and record ASB incidents. Accurate and timely recording of ASB is vital to understanding the scale of the problem, identifying trends and ensuring victim receive the right level of support.
Through my formal holding to account process, I am reassured that the new ASB procedure was launched in West Mercia in June 24, with the appropriate policy changes and training for frontline staff and OCC operators. To provide confidence that ASB is being better identified and assessed, a thematic audit of ASB is being undertaken in Spring 2025.
Whilst I am encouraged by improvements in compliance with risk assessments, there remains variation in quality. For example, only 126 Personal ASB Risk Assessment (PARA) forms were recorded against 630 incidents graded as involving a vulnerable victim. The force has since mandated a PARA submission for all personal ASB incidents to improve consistency.
I have been assured that the integration of SAAB and Athena, anticipated in April 2025, will further enhance the transition of crimes identified through ASB reporting into the investigation process, ensuring they are allocated appropriately. I will continue to hold the force to account for progress in this area, ensuring that all ASB and associated crimes are correctly recorded and monitored.
Early Intervention
I strongly endorse the emphasis on early interventions and community-focused solutions. Intervening early to address ASB and prevent escalation is critical. Locally, hotspot policing has proven to be an effective method of tackling ASB in areas of high demand, particularly in town centres. This approach, which also prevents serious violence, is showing positive outcomes, including a reduction in incidents and improved feelings of safety.
This initiative is funded until March 2025, and I will work with local partners and the force to explore how the success of this scheme can be sustained. Early intervention is not only about enforcement but also about identifying and supporting individuals at risk of causing or experiencing harm.
To complement policing activity, I have provided funding through the Community Safety Partnership for initiatives such as Street Rangers and Street Pastors. These schemes are vital for supporting vulnerable individuals and de-escalating incidents, particularly during the night-time economy.
Partnerships and problem-solving approaches
ASB cannot be addressed by policing alone. Partnership and problem-solving approaches are essential for delivering effective, long-term solutions. I am reassured that a multi-agency partnership meeting, known as an Anti-Social Behaviour Risk Assessment Conference, is convened within 72 hours of the identification of any high risk ASB incident with subsequent activity to assess the effectiveness of activity soon after.
Locally, I have invested in capital funding for CCTV installations to support problem-solving initiatives. These systems provide a powerful tool for deterring ASB, aiding investigations, and improving public confidence. I will continue to work with partners to ensure that resources and strategies align to protect communities and deliver meaningful outcomes.
The adoption of problem-solving plans has also been reviewed, focusing on “less volume, more value.” While not all ASB issues require formal plans, tactical advisors in the force are providing guidance to ensure that interventions are targeted, evidence-based, and evaluated for effectiveness.
Resourcing Neighbourhood Policing teams
My new Police and Crime plan builds on previous commitments by focussing on tackling anti-social behaviour particularly in town centres, providing dedicated town centre policing teams to support multi-agency working.
Neighbourhood policing teams are at the heart of tackling ASB, and it is essential that they are properly trained and resourced. I welcome the improvements made through continued professional development (CPD) cycles, bespoke SNT training days, and enhanced use of the College of Policing’s “What Works” toolkit. HMICFRS has been invited to observe this training, ensuring it remains of the highest standard.
I know from correspondence I receive that communities are tired of the anti-social behaviour that happens locally. A reduction in duty cover requirements for SNTs has also created capacity for policing teams to better manage high-harm issues. By ensuring that resources are targeted effectively, we can achieve the best possible outcomes for communities impacted by ASB.
Summary
In summary, I am reassured by the progress being made locally to address ASB and implement the recommendations outlined in this report. The force has made strides in recording ASB, intervening early, working in partnership, and resourcing its teams. However, there is still work to do, and I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account for delivering sustainable improvements.
Antisocial behaviour is not a low-level issue—it profoundly impacts quality of life. I am determined that our response reflects the severity of its consequences for victims and communities.
John Campion
Police and Crime Commissioner
West Mercia