Police forces need to improve response to anti-social behaviour, says HMICFRS

In a new PEEL spotlight report ‘The policing response to antisocial behaviour’, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found that most forces need to improve how they identify, record and respond to anti-social behaviour, and how they protect vulnerable people.

Around one million anti-social behaviour incidents were reported to the police, in the year ending September 30, 2023, having a significant impact upon communities and victims’ lives.

Inspectors found good examples of forces working hard at using problem-solving approaches and allocating trained officers in response. Some forces were also making good use of technology to encourage reporting of incidents and collect information from the public.

Crucially, inspectors found forces were often good at formal and informal effective early interventions. For example, using warning letters and initiatives to reduce reoffending and harms of this behaviour.

However, examples of good practice were inconsistent across all forces.

HMICFRS said the commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour was undermined by several difficulties in sharing data with partners. Police forces need to address IT issues, poor-quality training and a lack of analytical expertise that are currently preventing them from using data as effectively as they could, it said.

HMICFRS has made eight recommendations to police forces. The inspectorate said that there needs to be greater consistency in the recording of incidents, as well as in the use of statutory powers available to forces and appropriate training provided. This would enable them to take robust action against the minority of people repeatedly causing harassment and distress.

Forces also need to put a renewed focus in resourcing neighbourhood police teams and recognising the importance of their continual presence in their communities in order to build public trust and confidence.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Lee Freeman said: “Anti-social behaviour is a blight on many in our communities. It is sometimes perceived, and referred to, as low-level crime by the police, public and media. However, this doesn’t reflect the profound impact and trauma it can have on victims.

“It is vital forces understand the complexity and prevalence of anti-social behaviour, and key to this is effective early intervention.

“While there are good examples of the police working hard, there are challenges faced, including difficulties sharing data due to inadequate IT systems and a lack of analytical expertise.

“Additionally, there can be inconsistent approaches by forces, whether through poor training of officers, limited recording of incidents and the evaluation of outcomes.

“The police must and can do better. In my recommendations, I urge forces to recognise the importance of how they and their partners identify, record and respond to antisocial behaviour. Our communities must feel confident their local force will tackle it effectively.”

Responding to the report, Superintendent Andy Sidebotham, College of Policing lead for local policing, said: “Everyone in policing recognises the detrimental effect of anti-social behaviour on individuals and communities. We therefore welcome this report and are determined the College will continue to play a leading part in improving the police response to this issue.

“It is encouraging the report highlights some good examples of problem-solving approaches which are already part of our Practice Bank. We will continue to work closely with forces, and further develop our toolkit of resources to better assist neighbourhood officers tackle anti-social behaviour.

“Last month we announced plans for our dedicated training for officers and staff in neighbourhood policing teams to be rolled out across England and Wales in 2024/25. This contains a dedicated module on tackling anti-social behaviour to develop skills and knowledge in this area and help build public trust and confidence.

“The College of Policing is also the What Works Centre for Crime Reduction. This means the college turns the most effective approaches into best practice through our operational policing guidance, so forces can access evidence-based research on more effective crime reduction techniques.

“We will continue to urge all forces to make these resources available to staff so they can better understand what works and use the most appropriate measures when tackling anti-social behaviour.”

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners joint leads for local policing, Matt Storey and Chris Nelson, said: “It is encouraging that today’s report cites good examples of police forces working with partner organisations to address anti-social behaviour through early intervention and problem-solving approaches.

“However, it also finds that good practice is inconsistent across forces and that most need to improve their recording of incidents along with their use of statutory powers available to address the problem.

“Anti-social behaviour blights communities and has a huge impact on people’s lives, particularly the wellbeing of those who are vulnerable, and it is often linked with other criminality. It is important that there are easy and quick ways for people to report incidents, so it is reassuring that inspectors found some forces are making good use of technology such as apps and QR codes. But it is disappointing that the commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour is being undermined by technical difficulties in sharing data with partners.

“The report identifies the need for good quality data and more analytical expertise within forces so that they can respond effectively. It is vital that the information police receive about anti-social behaviour incidents is properly recorded so that patterns of offending can be identified, and an appropriate response actioned. Chief constables must ensure their officers and staff are equipped with the tools and skills to do their job and police and crime commissioners (PCCs) will hold them to account on this.

“This report highlights the benefit of well-established and visible neighbourhood policing teams which, as PCCs, we know is what members of the public want so they can feel safe in their communities. Initiatives such as funding for anti-social behaviour hotspot policing that concentrates efforts on problem areas have proved highly successful. We very much look forward to the implementation of the Government’s commitment to increasing neighbourhood police by 13,000 officers.

“An effective response to anti-social behaviour requires innovation, a strong partnership between police and local agencies, and a mindset that puts victims first. Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority in all PCCs’ local Police and Crime Plans.

“We are committed to stamping it out and bringing together local organisations which, through collaboration, work to divert those at risk of being drawn into anti-social behaviour and potentially more serious criminality.”