Policing minister visits Hertfordshire to discuss new Respect Orders

Ahead of Respect Orders being introduced across England and Wales today (Monday 26 October), the policing minister visited Hertfordshire to hear how the new powers will help tackle persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) and protect local communities.

Sarah Jones MP joined Hemel Hempstead MP David Taylor on Wednesday (21 October) to meet representatives from Hertfordshire Constabulary, including Chief Constable Andy Prophet and Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards.

During a briefing at Hemel Hempstead Police Station, officers from the Community Safety Unit (CSU) and Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) outlined how the force plans to use the new orders to address persistent ASB and protect victims.

The visit also included a walk around the town centre, where the minister met local businesses to discuss the impact anti-social behaviour can have on communities and how Respect Orders could help provide longer-term solutions.

“We were pleased the policing minister chose to come to Hertfordshire to hear how we plan on making a difference to our communities using the new Respect Orders,” said Chief Constable Andy Prophet.

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams work closely with Community Safety Unit colleagues and local partners every day to tackle anti-social behaviour and address the issues that matter most to our communities.

“We already make effective use of a range of powers, including Criminal Behaviour Orders and Closure Orders, to protect residents and businesses from persistent anti-social behaviour.

“Respect Orders are a welcome addition to the tools available to us. They will help us intervene earlier, tackle repeat offending and provide greater protection for victims and communities.

“We have already identified up to 30 individuals who may be suitable for these orders and will be looking to secure them through the courts as soon as possible.”

Respect Orders are a new civil power designed to tackle persistent and serious anti-social behaviour by adults aged 18 and over.

They provide police, local authorities, social landlords and other partner agencies with a stronger tool to prevent repeat offending, protect victims and improve the quality of life for local communities.

Courts can impose a Respect Order where there is evidence that a person has engaged in, or is likely to engage in, behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress, and where an order is necessary to prevent further anti-social behaviour.

The orders can include tailored restrictions, such as excluding an individual from a specific area or preventing particular conduct, alongside positive requirements aimed at addressing the root causes of their behaviour, including support relating to substance misuse or behavioural issues.

Breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence, enabling police to take swift enforcement action and providing clear consequences for continued anti-social behaviour.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: “I welcome the proactive approach that Hertfordshire Constabulary is taking to the introduction of Respect Orders, as recognised by the minister’s visit.

“Respect Orders should help tackle persistent anti-social behaviour and offending, both by restricting what offenders can do and addressing the underlying causes of poor behaviour. Their impact will ultimately depend on whether the courts impose proper consequences for any breaches.”