What is the Community Remedy?

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows victims to chose from a list of options that allows offenders of low-level crimes, such as anti-social behaviour, to make reparation for their actions without going through formal court proceedings. This mechanism has been introduced to give victims a greater say in how their incident is dealt with.

When is the Community Remedy suitable?

The Community Remedy can be used when an offender admits to their part in the incident or crime and is willing to be dealt with by either community resolution or conditional caution. The offence type and the offender’s previous history must be suitable and this is the decision of the police officer who deals with your incident.
Both community resolution and conditional cautions are out of court disposals where an offender can agree to certain conditions to repair the harm caused and/or prevent any future offending. A community resolution is an informal agreement between victim and offender and the agreed conditions are not enforceable by the police. A conditional caution is a formal out of court disposal where failure to adhere to the agreed conditions may result in a formal prosecution for the original matter.

I am a victim, how do I have my say?

You will be asked your opinion on which options, from the Community Remedy, you think would be most appropriate to the offender in your incident.
The police officer dealing with your incident will make the final decision as to what is appropriate ensuring it is proportionate to the offence committed and will have a positive impact for you, as the victim, and the offender.

Community Remedy Options:

The list below is the Community Remedy options currently available in South Yorkshire. The officer dealing with your incident will be able to give you further details, including availability in your area.

Community Justice Panels

  • A Restorative Justice conference where you are able to meet the offender, in a safe setting, hosted by a trained facilitator to explain the impact of the incident and get answers to any questions you have.

Acceptable Behaviour Contract  

  • Suitable for those involved in persistent ASB incidents, the offender signs an agreement aimed at improving their behaviour.

Parenting Contract  

  • The parents of a young person involved in persistent ASB sign an agreement aimed at improving the behaviour of their child.

Monetary Compensation  

  • A proportionate amount of compensation for any damage or other harm caused can be agreed between you and the offender.

Targeted Intervention

  • The offender is referred to locally available services to address any issues that may be leading to their offending.

Letter of Apology  

  • This can be the exchange of written communications between you and the offender, facilitated by the officer dealing, or simply a written apology from the offender to you.

Face to Face Apology  

  • This could take place as part of a Community Justice Panel but could also be facilitated by a police officer or a specialist provider.

Structured Diversionary Activities

  • The offender attends locally available activities in order to divert them away from further offending or ASB.

 

To view the full Community Remedy Offer 2019 document follow the link here.