Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill is today (Thursday) launching a three month consultation to give people a greater say in how anti-social behaviour and low level crime is dealt with in the county.
The recent Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act places a statutory duty on all PCCs to develop a list of Community Remedies. From this autumn, victims will be able to select the punishment for the offender from a menu of options.
Community Remedies are likely to include measures such as repairing damage to property, cleaning up graffiti or receiving a punishment proportionate to the crime. Victims can also ask the offender direct questions, mediate or receive an apology. By bringing together the offender with the victim of their crime, it’s hoped they will better understand the impact of their actions. Community Remedy is a way of delivering justice without going through the traditional court process.
In addition to the online survey, the Dorset Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will also be holding a number of focus groups to consult communities on what they’d like to see on the list of Community Remedies. The first focus group will take place in Wareham on 24 June.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said; “Community Remedies give victims a greater voice and puts them at the heart of punishment for offenders. I want to consult as many people as possible over the next few months so I can collect a wide range of views. Already the public in Dorset has suggested beach litter picks which is now on the menu of possible options.”
“Last year there were 29,436 recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour in the county. Community resolution benefits the victim in gaining closure on the incident and helps the offender to break the cycle of crime.”
“I am passionate about victim care – this is something the people of Dorset have been asking for and victims want this option as an alternative to the court process.”
To take part in the consultation, please visit the website at www.dorset.pcc.police.uk and click on the link from the homepage or call the office on 01202 223966 to request a hard copy or for more information on the focus groups.
