This week I want to tell you more about a scheme operating in Dorset to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) through reparative and restorative activities such as unpaid work and education.

Immediate Justice is a scheme for adult offenders – those over the age of 18 – who have committed ASB-related offences and other low-level crimes. The initiative, which began in Dorset in November 2023 as a Home Office pilot, is only available to suitable first-time or low-level offenders and offers an alternative to attending court or paying fines.

Those who meet the criteria for the scheme are referred by Dorset Police or the local authorities to partner agency, Red Snapper Managed Services, who then assign tasks to be completed under supervision. This unpaid work takes places within days of the offence being committed and involves seven or 14 hours of unpaid work depending on the type of Out of Court Resolution the offender has received from Dorset Police or appropriate local authority. These activities could include clearing up public spaces, litter picking, supporting local charities and other similar community-minded tasks.

So far, nearly 60 people have been referred to the programme by Dorset Police and local authorities, with around 200 hours of work completed and more than 200 hours currently scheduled for completion. I know that a great deal of work has been completed to ensure these numbers continue to build and I look forward to seeing these results. I hope my commitment to Immediate Justice demonstrates to communities and victims that action is being taken over ASB and their experiences are taken seriously.

This scheme aims to show communities that anti-social behaviour and low-level offending are treated with the seriousness and urgency required. Repeat offenders will continue to be prosecuted and punished through the criminal justice system and will not be eligible for Immediate Justice. Should offenders referred to the scheme not comply with Immediate Justice, they will go back through the courts.

One of the key parts of this innovative initiative also requires those selected to complete an anti-social behaviour awareness course or take part in a community conference. These are delivered by Restorative Solutions, who I already commission to deliver vital restorative justice services more widely across in Dorset. The emphasis of these two measures is on education and support to bring about change and reduce instances of further offending, as well as make amends through restorative justice.

It is imperative that as well as delivering visible punishment, Immediate Justice is effective in reducing further offending. By tackling this, we can provide proper reassurance to communities in Dorset that we are robustly dealing with this issue. I know the detrimental impact ASB has on the public, and while Dorset Police has made real improvements in reducing these damaging incidents through intensive hotspot patrols as part of Op Track and initiatives such as the 100 Days of Summer campaign, I want the public to know we take this very seriously and are proactively tackling it through operational policing. And it’s working; using the data and intelligence from residents to guide them, last year the Force saw a 14% drop in incidences of ASB.

That’s why I want to appeal to you, the residents of Dorset, to continue to report instances of ASB. Using the information you provide, officers and our partners can build a picture of what’s happening and act. With schemes like Immediate Justice taking place in Dorset, we are working to not only take action with offenders giving back to the community but we’re also getting to the root of the problem with vital education to tackle re-offending.

As many of you know, tackling ASB is one of the six priorities in my Police and Crime Plan. We have made great strides over the past three years, but there is still work to be done. Immediate Justice is a key component of this, alongside the tough enforcement from Dorset Police, and supportive initiatives such as my Operation Relentless Community Fund and Fix The Future. My message is simple; Immediate Justice is delivering effective action dealing with the people who cause harm in our communities, and I will be relentless in my commitment to ensure the residents of Dorset feel safe where they live and work. Our methods are working, and I am determined we will continue delivering for everyone in Dorset.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner