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Co-operation encouraged to beat anti-social behaviour

Brendan McGuigan partnership between justice agencies and local communities is needed in order to beat anti-social behaviour
Brendan McGuigan partnership between justice agencies and local communities is needed in order to beat anti-social behaviour Brendan McGuigan partnership between justice agencies and local communities is needed in order to beat anti-social behaviour

PARTNERSHIP between justice agencies and local communities is needed in order to beat anti-social behaviour.

The suggestion is made in a Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) report published on Monday which reviews previous research into anti social behaviour in 2012.

Brendan McGuigan, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, has found that “reasonable progress” had been made against the 11 inspection recommendations contained in the original report.

He said that level of anti-social behaviour have dropped in the years since the original report was published.

“While we welcome this development, Inspectors recognise that for some communities, anti-social behaviour remains a substantial challenge which often comes to public attention when a larger, critical incident occurs," he said.

Mr McGuigan said the review highlights the importance of a partnership approach to dealing with anti social behaviour.

"With fewer police officers on the streets and the need to target their work towards areas of concern, this follow-up review shows the effectiveness and importance of a partnership approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour, where local communities are involved along with statutory agencies in addressing local issues and problems," he said.

The report confirmed that one strategic recommendation and six operational recommendations contained in the original report had been achieved.

A further operational recommendation was partially achieved with the remaining three recommendations have not been met.

Mr McGuigan welcomed the work undertaken by Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) and other agencies

He added his support for the reduction in the number of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) being applied for and issued in relation to young people as well as the introduction of an automatic review every six months where ASBOs were granted against young people under 18 years.