Witness Support. Transforming Lives. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) will be tackled not tolerated.

Transcription

1 Anti-social behaviour (ASB) will be tackled not tolerated Customer friendly Witness Support Transforming Lives

2 Contact us Reporting anti-social behaviour (ASB) is the first step to stopping it. Start by speaking to your Area Housing Office about your concerns. They may already be aware of the complaint and be taking action. Have as much information to hand as you can, names, dates, street names and times. You can report ASB to your Area Housing Office by completing an on-line form at You can also report ASB by calling the: East Area Housing Office West Area Housing Office Anti-Social Behaviour Team To report ASB out of office hours, please call: In an emergency where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress, please contact Greater Manchester Police on either: 999 or

3 Introduction All residents have the right to the peaceful enjoyment of their home. Equally every resident has a responsibility not to interfere with their neighbour s right to the peaceful enjoyment of their home. We are committed to ensuring that residents are able to enjoy peace, quiet and security in and around their homes, and will take action to deal with problems of ASB. These actions may include but are not limited to: mediation; Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs); warning or legal proceedings such as injunctions; or possession proceedings. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) will be tackled not tolerated Tackling ASB A guide for customers Customer friendly Extra information available Transforming Lives For full details of the actions available, please read the Tackling ASB - a toolkit for customers leaflet. Anti-social behaviour - Witness Support 3

4 Complainant and Witness Support We recognise the crucial role complainants and witnesses play in helping to tackle ASB. The speed and success of any action is dependant on the co-operation and involvement of the complainants. We recognise that a proven track record of resolving ASB cases is key in building confidence and trust in witnesses. We are dedicated to providing support to complainants and witnesses throughout the whole process of dealing with a case. What support will be offered? The level of support given will be tailored to meet the needs of the individual and the circumstances of the case, and will be agreed with the complainant from the start. In every case, we will complete a Complainant Risk Assessment Matrix (RAM) to establish and identify vulnerable complainants and apply a category of: Level 1 High vulnerability Level 2 Medium vulnerability Level 3 Low vulnerability A named case officer will be provided to each complainant. The case officer will agree and maintain a level of contact and keep complainants informed throughout the case. 4 Anti-social behaviour - Witness Support

5 Witness and Victim Support Support measures we offer include: linking complainants to other witnesses; completing a risk assessment of the security of the complainant s home and where appropriate improving security by, for example providing door chains, peep holes, security lights and / or fire-proof letter boxes; installing CCTV to record incidents or provide reassurance; working with the police to install panic alarms to access a Police response by the touch of a button; providing an interpreter where English is not a complainant s first language; informing other relevant officers such as Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Operational Support Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who may increase their patrols; working with Victim and Witness Support and / or other relevant agencies to provide support and / or counselling; and a temporary move to another home or extra social needs points for rehousing in extreme cases. Anti-social behaviour - Witness Support 5

6 Dedicated Witness Support Officer We are committed to providing excellent support to witnesses and will seek to use all the tools available to make sure witnesses feel safe and secure when giving evidence. The evidence of witnesses is very important, especially in cases involving formal enforcement action. Therefore, it is essential that witnesses feel supported before, during and after the case is dealt with. Witness support is a joint responsibility for the ASB Officer and the Neighbourhood Housing Officer. However, we recognise that some witnesses may be more vulnerable than others and therefore need more one-to one support. We have a dedicated ASB Victim and Witness Champion from Stockport Victim and Witness Support who works with Stockport Homes ASB service and provides extra support to those Stockport Homes witnesses who are most in need. The ASB Victim and Witness Champion will meet with the customer and establish and agree individual support plans which meet the customers support needs. The ASB Victim and Witness Champion offers one to one contact during office hours or at an evening and weekends if required. The Champion provides support to complainants throughout the court process including pre court visits, moral support at any hearings and after Court hearings once the case is closed. 6 Anti-social behaviour - Witness Support

7 Service Standards have been developed and agreed with customers for the service. Once a referral has been made, the ASB Victim and Witness Champion will: Standard Contact Level 1 complaints and complainants in CAT A (urgent) cases by telephone within 24 hours Carry out an initial visit and needs assessment of Level 1 complaints and complainants in CAT A cases within 48 hours Contact complainants of all other cases by phone within two days of the referral being made Carry out an initial visit and needs assessment of complainants in all other cases within five working days of the referral being made Agree and maintain a level of contact with the complainant Target 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% Anti-social behaviour - Witness Support 7

8 Witness Buddy Scheme Sometimes the best support is provided by individuals who have experienced or have been through the ASB process themselves. Working with the ASB Victim and Witness Champion, we are developing forums in which complainants and witnesses can meet others who have had similar experiences and are able to offer support and understanding. We are also looking to recruit customers as volunteers who wish to support people who are suffering from ASB. Stockport Victim Support will support and train volunteers via its own training and accreditation with a specific focus on supporting victims of ASB. For more information on how to be become a volunteer, please contact the ASB Team on Witness Buddy 8 Anti-social behaviour - Witness Support

9 Going to Court Many complainants and witnesses feel worried about going to court, regardless of whether or not they were the victim of a crime or ASB. To make the court process less intimidating and daunting Stockport Homes ASB Victim and Witness Champion will: arrange a visit to the court before the hearing so that complainants and witnesses can familiarise themselves with the layout and court procedures; arrange for transport to and from court; make arrangements and cover the costs of any childcare or other dependant care; accompany witnesses at all times; and arrange a separate and secure waiting area away from the other party. Anti-social behaviour - Witness Support 9

10 Out of hours support We recognise that ASB does not stop when the offices close and so an out of hours phone service for ongoing cases is provided so that complainants and witnesses can report incidents and seek reassurance from a trained ASB professional. We also work very closely with Greater Manchester Police to ensure that vulnerable complainants and witnesses can be supported out of hours through such measures as welfare visits or extra patrols. To report ASB out of office hours, please call: This is for reporting non-urgent ASB only - in an emergency where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress, please contact Greater Manchester Police on either: 999 or Anti-social behaviour - Witness Support

11 After Court We will continue to offer support to complainants and witnesses after the court case for as long as reasonable. We will also ensure that: complainants and witnesses are told the outcome of the case as soon as possible; successful outcomes are publicised; and partners such as the Police and the Local Authority are aware of the outcome of cases. Remember We will always offer victims and witnesses support, guidance and information. We will listen to what complainants and witnesses have to say and will provide updates on how the case is progressing. Anti-social behaviour - Witness Support 11

12 Accessing our services This leaflet gives you information about anti-social behaviour. If you would like a copy in large print, Braille, on audio tape or CD, please contact the Social Inclusion Team on or inclusion@stockporthomes.org Ref: /08/14 AB