Multi-Agency Anti-Social Behaviour Escalation Process

The multi-agency anti-social behaviour escalation process is a tiered approach consisting of low level warning letters, joint agency visits, multi-agency meetings and actions such as Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) and Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)

This process is flexible and the steps can be bypassed if appropriate and stages can be repeated if necessary.

It can also include any other intervention or support for the individual and the victim(s). Other legislation may be appropriate such as prosecution for criminal offences, action against the tenancy or enforcement for clean neighbourhoods and the environment.

The Escalation Process need not be used in isolation.
Any agency can take the lead, but generally it will be the one receiving reports of anti-social behaviour, i.e.

Police
Housing
Environmental Health
Health
Education

The following should be considered before embarking on the Escalation Process

Is the individual’s behaviour anti-social? In other words, does that person’s behaviour cause “harassment, alarm or distress to somebody else not of the same household”?

Is there evidence that the person’s behaviour has had a serious negative impact on other people?

Has a criminal offence been committed which can result in a conviction? If so, the criminal justice system could be used to tackle the problem but this can run in conjunction with the ASB escalation.

If there is a threat of eviction or ASBO, it is realistic that such action can be followed through?

You can view a flow chart of the escalation process here

The Escalation Process - Each Step Explained

Problem Solving

The lead agency uses their knowledge, experience, tools and powers to attempt to resolve the issue for the victim(s) and perpetrator.

Letter 1

Initial low level warning letter from the lead agency outlining the problem and advising that continued behaviour may result in more formal action.

Letter 2/Visit

Final warning letter, often from the Community Safety Partnership (in North Devon and Torridge, Safer North Devon), rather than a single agency. A joint visit may take place to discuss the problem and identify appropriate intervention or support.

Multi-Agency Meetings

Case conferences often chaired by the local Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator with key agencies who have knowledge of the individual and/or can offer support. Behaviour is discussed and decisions are made on what action to take.

Intervention/Support

Packages and programmes that agencies can put in place to tackle the causes of the anti-social behaviour.

Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)

A Voluntary agreement between the individual and the agencies regarding future behaviours. This normally lasts 6 months and can be extended. An ABC may run in conjunction with a court order for a criminal offence, or alongside other intervention/support.

Breach of the conditions of contract could result in further action being taken, such as eviction, injunction or an ASBO. There are however no penalties for the breach itself.

Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO)

This is a civil order made by the court against the offender. It can ban that person from behaving in a particular way, entering a specified geographic area, associating with particular people and imposing a curfew. The order can be made on anyone aged 10 or over, and is for a minimum of 2 years. Breach of the order is a criminal offence for which a range of sentences is available.

Other Legislation or Action can include...

Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions
Demotion of Tenancy
Possession Proceedings
Fixed Penalty Notices
Seizure of noise equipment
Noise Abatement Notices
Child Safety Order (for under 10s)
Parenting Contracts or Orders