Anti-social Behaviour Strategies

The government has introduced new powers for tackling anti-social behaviour, such as Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). This study examines how the new powers are being used, and what people think about them. Its findings will advance strategic thinking on these issues.

Through empirical research - combining a national survey with in-depth fieldwork in three neighbourhoods experiencing high levels of ASB - the study develops principles for effective responses to problems of anti-social behaviour.

The researchers conclude that:

both national and local ASB strategies should aim for a balance between enforcement and prevention;

government policy should be more precise in defining ASB;

there need to be clearer limits set to the use of civil remedies such as ASBOs.

· · · · ·

Anti-social behaviour strategies is aimed at politicians, civil servants and practitioners with responsibility for tackling problems of anti-social behaviour. It will also be of interest to academics.

Andrew Millie is Senior Researcher at the Policy Research Institute and Senior Lecturer in the School of Legal Studies, University of Wolverhampton. Jessica Jacobson is an independent consultant. Eraina McDonald was a Research Assistant at the Institute for Criminal Policy Research and Mike Hough is Professor of Criminal Policy and Director of the Institute for Criminal Policy Research, King's College London.