Alan Johnson on anti-social behaviour

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Alan Johnson has responded to today’s report on anti-social behaviour from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, saying that cuts to police budgets will impact upon front-line services:

“This report tells a familiar story on anti-social behaviour but with greater depth and clarity than ever before. It is a particularly important message as the government plan cuts to police budgets which are bound to effect the front line services that deal with crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

“Anti-social behaviour is not a low-level nuisance – it causes high level misery for too many people.”

“HMIC highlight the central issues: ensuring that Neighbourhood Policing Teams are active everywhere; eliminating any remnants of the ‘ASB is nothing to do with the Police’ culture; raising awareness of the full range of powers available and using them to ensure early intervention; instilling the need for action on ASB rather than ‘strategies’ amongst local crime reduction partnerships.”

“HMIC focus on the needs of the victim. The Home Office, the Police and local authorities need to do the same.”