A mechanism designed to give repeat victims of antisocial behaviour (ASB) the chance to have their case reviewed is the focus of a new campaign by Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
Community trigger (also known as ASB Case Review) is a system available to victims who have made repeated reports of ASB, but do not feel that effective action is being taken to address the problem.
Where victims have reported three incidents or more within a six month period, they have the right to activate community trigger through their local authority. They can make the request themselves, or through a third party.
There will then be a multi-agency case review by a panel of representatives from the police, local authorities, housing providers and health services. If necessary, an action plan will be developed to address the ASB affecting the victim.
Across the country, the use of community trigger has remained low – with just 400 requested in the first two quarters of 2021/22. 90 of these were requested in Avon and Somerset.
During the first quarter of 2021/22 in Cleveland, eight requests for community trigger were made – although none were made from the Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland council areas.
Latest survey data from national organisation ASB Resolve found that 94% of respondents had never heard of community trigger.
Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner said: “No one should have to live with the damaging impact of antisocial behaviour and the need to make repeated reports should certainly not be the norm for people who live in Cleveland.
“Tackling ASB has been a priority since the day I was elected. Clearly not only are victims not aware of tools like community trigger to protect them from ASB, but they’re not being used frequently in the Cleveland area.
“My role as PCC is to inform victims about the options available to them and to hold agencies to account for how they use mechanisms like community trigger to help people live safely.
PCC Steve Turner
“It seems fitting to use ASB Awareness Week to raise awareness of this important tool and seek to increase the number of times it is being used to help victims move forward.”
The PCC’s office has launched a seven-week social media campaign to raise awareness of community trigger, particularly targeting the areas of Cleveland where levels of ASB are highest.
Steve’s team will also be speaking to residents about community trigger at their upcoming community engagements events.
For professionals, the Commissioner’s office has funded a training session delivered by ASB Help on how community trigger can be used to support victims and end the cycle of nuisance behaviour. This will be open to anyone working within public services and agencies responsible for dealing with ASB. More details will be made available in due course.
Have you been affected by three ASB incidents in the last six months? Read more about Community Trigger.