Anti-Social Behaviour and the Law

Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)

An ABC is used to deal with low level anti-social behaviour

It is a contract which is signed by the young person and their parents/carers

The behaviour contract sets out what the young person will change about their behaviour

If the young person does not keep to the contract it can be used as evidence towards an Anti-Social Behaviour Order. (ASBO)

Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBC)

An ASBO is a court order

It prohibits a young person from particular acts of anti-social behaviour

An ASBO can be issued to anyone over the age of 10 years

It can be applied for by the police and/or a local authority

An ASBO is issued for a minimum of two years

An ASBO is meant to protect the public not to punish the perpetrator

An ASBO is a civil order not a criminal penalty

Dispersal Orders

The police can designate an area to be under a Dispersal Order in agreement with the local authority

A Dispersal Order can last up to six months

The Dispersal Order area can be small, (the outside of a shop), or large a complete neighbourhood

To impose a dispersal Order there has to be evidence of anti-social behaviour

The police can exclude people from an area for up to 24 hours

The police can take someone under the age of 16 home after 9pm if they are not in the care of a responsible adult. It is an offence to refuse

How can an ASBO change your life?

An ASBO does not give you a criminal record

A breach of an ASBO is a criminal offence and the young person can be given a fine and even imprisonment

If you breach an ASBO you will have a criminal record

Police keep a record of final warnings and convictions on the Police National Computer

This means that a CRB check made on a person can block them from certain work and travel possibilities

What can a final warning or a conviction stop you doing?

You may not be accepted for certain training opportunities or jobs•Pharmacist•Solicitor•Teacher•Health professional•Prison officer•Working with vulnerable groups e.g. old people, under 18s•Police officer•The armed forces

You may not get a visa to travel to another country on holiday

You won’t be automatically refused, but it will be far more difficult to achieve!You won’t be automatically refused, but it will be far more difficult to achieve!

Can you explain what an Acceptable Behaviour Contract is?

Can you explain what an Anti-social Behaviour Order is?

What power do the police use to address low-level anti-social behaviour?

At what age can a young person be given an ASBO?

Who is the ASBO designed to protect?

Can you explain what a Dispersal Order is?

Can you get a criminal record from having an ASBO?