The council's objectives
No one should have to put up with ASB.
Our policy is to
- Make people aware of what anti-social behaviour is
- Publicise and promote our various services to combat ASB
- Encourage people to report ASB and make it possible for them to this using a range of reporting methods
- Seek to respond to each reported case of ASB as quickly as possible
- Support victims of ASB throughout the case to the extent the seriousness of the case requires
Reports of ASB will be treated seriously and dealt with professionally.
- Treat all reports as confidential, sharing information only with other organisations that can help with the problem (for example the police) and observing data protection laws and information sharing agreements
- Ensure that criminal ASB reported to the Council is quickly passed on to the Police
- Electronically register each case we take on
- Fully investigate the complaint, which may involve interviewing any alleged perpetrator and may involve interviewing third party witnesses
- Quickly and appropriately refer cases between the different departments of the Council and to other agencies as necessary
- Continue to treat any case referred by the ASB team to another council department or external agency as an open case until, in the opinion of the Anti-social Behaviour Officer, the case can be closed
- Respond promptly to all complaints about the service and advise anyone not satisfied with the way their case was handled how to make a formal complaint
- Explain our reasons should we choose to take no action, and advise on self-help or other alternative courses of action whenever it is possible and appropriate to do so.
ASB will be dealt with firmly, fairly and proportionately.
Our policy is to
- Take any necessary early action to protect people and property
- Investigate the circumstances and seek to understand all the facts of the matter reported to us
- Seek always to resolve cases at the lowest appropriate level of intervention taking formal action when the ASB is serious or persistent or when it threatens people’s safety or health
- Use any of the tools and powers available to us under the law and council policy, according to our best professional judgement
- Take into account (adjust our approach as necessary) when a victim or perpetrator is a vulnerable person
- Not intervene in low level disputes between households concerning minor lifestyle differences e.g. noise made by children playing in their home, garden or communal areas, or parking disputes involving non-allocated spaces
- With consent of the people involved, we may refer suitable low-level cases to a meditation service.
We will work with partners in order to deliver an effective, value for money ASB services across the community.
Our policy is to
- Play a full and active part as a key member of the Tonbridge and Malling Community Safety Partnership
- Participate in relevant strategic or preventative initiatives
- Lead and participate in permanent or ad-hoc multi-agency working groups dealing with specific ASB issues
- Work with housing associations, private landlords, letting agents and businesses providing professional advice and support as required so that these organisations can act confidently to prevent or tackle ASB.
We will provide a high quality service which meets people’s identified needs.
Our Policy is to
- Ensure that staff dealing with ASB are appropriately trained
- Ensure that staff dealing with ASB understand a follow agreed policies and procedures
- The policy will be reviewed on a regular basis reflecting new legislation and lessons learnt
- Formally seek the views of service users and partner organisations when the documents are reviewed
- Seek to ensure that all our activities are prioritised and undertaken with regard to clear evidence of need; sound consideration of how effective the work undertaken is likely to be, and a clear understanding of the outcomes sought.