An inspection has shown Hertfordshire is one of the most improved police forces in dealing with victims of anti-social behaviour and is now one of the best in the country.
According to Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabularies (HMIC), Hertfordshire has made “significant progress” in how it tackles anti-social behaviour and that victim satisfaction has increased since the last inspection in 2010.
Inspector Zoe Billingham said: “Anti-social behaviour is a blight that can wreck lives and communities.
“Our review shows that Hertfordshire Constabulary has made significant progress in how it tackles the problem, and that victim satisfaction has increased. The force should be commended for this – especially as it comes against the backdrop of significant budget cuts across the service.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alison Roome-Gifford, who is the Constabulary’s lead for anti-social behaviour, said: “We are delighted with HMIC’s findings which endorse the significant work we have undertaken to tackle anti-social behaviour over the past 18 months.
“We are very conscious of the damage that anti-social behaviour can cause to individuals and communities and we will do everything possible to stop nuisance behaviour before it escalates into more serious harm or impacts significantly on peoples’ lives.”
In 2011, the Constabulary and Hertfordshire County Council jointly introduced a new computer system called SafetyNet, especially for recording anti-social behaviour and managing complex and serious ASB cases.
It has been jointly funded and is shared with Hertfordshire’s local authorities and some housing associations so that overlapping issues can be worked on together and to create long-term solutions.
A county council representative said: “Since the original HMIC inspection we have worked closely with the Constabulary throughout.
“We are proud to have played a part in the excellent work that the Constabulary has undertaken to improve its response to tackling anti-social behaviour. “
"Our joint project to bring the SafetyNet case management system to Hertfordshire is something we are rightly proud of and it will make a significant difference to the experience of victims of ASB and their communities.”
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