Legislation replaces civil injunctions, with power to order perpetrators to tackle root causes of their conduct
New respect orders came into force across England and Wales this week, aiming to support housing associations and other members of the community to crack down on antisocial behaviour (ASB).
Respect orders, which have replaced civil junctions, give police and councils stronger enforcement powers against “relentless” adult offenders, including banning them from town centres or stopping them drinking on high streets and in local parks.
As well as being handed unlimited fines, curfews and hours of volunteering, offenders can also receive court orders to tackle the root causes of their behaviour, such as drug or alcohol treatment or anger management courses.
Addressing the deeper causes of ASB is one way in which respect orders differ from historic measures, such as antisocial behaviour orders - more commonly known as ASBOs. Another key difference is that they will only apply to adults, with the government saying it “does not want to unnecessarily mark children with criminal records”. However, under 18s can still receive a youth injunction.
As respect orders are enshrined in legislation, breaching one would be a criminal offence, carrying jail time of up to two years.
Transport networks, police, local councils and other authorities can now apply for a respect order, which will be uploaded to the Police National Computer database.
Respect orders are part of a wider government toolkit aimed at reducing ASB. This includes tougher powers to seize vehicles linked to ASB, increasing dispersal periods and fines and introducing 3,800 additional neighbourhood police and support officers into communities.
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