Anti-social behaviour policy statement 2024-27 - 3. Enforcement / use of preventative tools

Our driving principles are to protect individuals and communities from harm using tools and powers that are specific, proportionate, and appropriate to the behaviour.

We will:

Only use tools and powers when there is sufficient evidence to do so.

Consider all available resources, powers and tools including preventative measures with the aim of stopping occurrences of ASB to protect complainants, witnesses, and the community from harm.

Identify the most appropriate enforcement tools if early resolution attempts are unsuccessful. We will consider these actions taking the following into account:

• Assessment of victim and witness vulnerability, risk and harm.
• Use or threat of violence
• Housing tenure
• Frequency
• Safeguarding and hate crime aspects including people with protected characteristics
• Was the victim intentionally targeted or situational?

Use preventative tools that are appropriate and proportionate to stopping the behaviours, supported with sufficient evidence.

Engage the community using impact statements (where appropriate) within overall evidence gathering including any community driven responses and attempts to resolve matters locally.

Be clear about what is achievable to manage expectations of both complainant and perpetrator, in accordance with our ASB service standard.

Consider next steps if action is not successful in stopping the behaviour and/or order is not obtained or granted.

Pay due regard to Norwich City Council's Corporate Enforcement Policy.