Community Remedy is designed to give victims of low-level crime and ASB a greater say in how offenders should be dealt with. It allows Police and relevant partners to deal with low-level crime and manage offenders within the community, in consultation with the victim.
Community Remedy isn’t about being soft on crime, it’s about having a common-sense approach to addressing low-level crime. It’s about having a victim focus – the victim should be able to see the offender putting right what they have done wrong, or being asked to participate in an activity that deters them from re-offending. It’s about delivering the best outcome for victims, perpetrators, communities and the criminal justice system.
The Community Remedy is intended to give victims more say in the punishment of offenders out of court. However, the victim’s involvement is voluntary. In certain circumstances where perpetrators fail to comply, this may lead to additional evidence being put forward for more formal procedures.
Police officers and PCSOs will apply Community Remedies on a case-by-case basis using their professional judgment and discretion within a framework. The officer should ensure the victim understands the purpose of Community Remedy and knows they can choose not to be involved, however the final decision rests with the officer. The officer will take into account:
- The type of offence or incident
- Any previous offences or convictions
- Circumstances of the offence
- Risk to the public
Community Remedies can only be applied if:
- It is clear that a crime or incident has occurred
- The offender accepts responsibility
- Every effort has been taken to consult with the victim
Anyone involved who is under 18 will be referred to and managed through the Local Authority Youth Offending Services procedures. Anyone under 18 or vulnerable will need a family member, carer or responsible adult to assist them in understanding the purpose of Community Remedies.
If the victim is not contactable, or it cannot be ascertained who the victim is, for example, if the offence is graffiti in a public place, the officer will decide an appropriate action for the offender to undertake.
