Have your say on making the punishment fit the crime
VICTIMS and residents are being given the chance to shape how offenders of low level crime and anti-social behaviour in Essex are dealt with.
The Community Remedy has been introduced as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (ASBCPA) 2014.
It aims to give victims of low level crime and anti-social behaviour a direct say in out-of-court punishments of offenders. Under the Community Remedy victims would be given a “menu” of options to choose from, including punishment and rehabilitation.
As well as giving victims a say in how their crime is dealt with, the measures will ensure justice is delivered more quickly and offenders face immediate consequences for their actions.
A draft version of the “menu” has been drawn up and victims and the public in Essex will now be consulted for their views on the options.
The menu has been created by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with Victim Support Essex, Essex Police, youth offending teams and Community Safety Partnerships from across Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
A survey has been set up where people can rate each of the seven menu options by order of preference and give further comments on any other measures they would like to see included. To take part in the survey click here.
Under the terms of the ASBCPA 2014 act Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, has a duty to consult with the public and community representatives on what punitive, reparative or rehabilitative measures should be included in the Community Remedy.
Nick Alston said: “Victims are, and should always be, at the heart of everything that I and Essex Police do.
“The Community Remedy aims to make community justice transparent to victims and give them a say in how perpetrators’ are dealt with.
“This consultation is an opportunity for victims and the wider public to really shape how the perpetrators – who have affected their lives – are dealt with.”
Heather Robbie, divisional manager for Victim Support Essex, added: “This really is a unique opportunity for those victims – affected by low level crime and anti-social behaviour – to have a voice that really will make a difference.
“I would urge people to get involved with the consultation and visit the survey to have their say.”
Once all survey feedback has been collected and evaluated, a final version of the menu will be drawn up and is expected to be used by police on the ground by November.
The survey will close on Sunday October 12.
