Spellar proposes new powers for a safer society

Enhanced powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and drink driving have been included in new proposed legislation announced today by Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar.

Increased support for the victims of crime has also been included in the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, which is now out for public consultation.

Mr Spellar said: “This draft legislation is an important step in establishing a safer and more just society in Northern Ireland.

“The Government is firmly committed to supporting the victims of crime, modernizing the criminal justice system and ensuring that crime does not pay.”

The Minister said the new proposals would enhance the law in relation to powers regarding anti-social behaviour and drink-driving. They also include additional powers to the Director of the Assets Recovery Agency.

The Order also introduces measures to increase the support given to the victims of crime and provisions to make the criminal justice system more effective

The draft Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2005 proposes a range of measures to improve police and court powers, to tackle organised crime; to increase services to victims; and to improve the criminal justice process in a number of ways.

The draft Order proposes: additional powers in relation to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders; increased police powers in respect of drink driving; an information service to victims of offenders subject to probation supervision; increased powers for the Assets Recovery Agency to access financial information; and a range of other procedural and technical improvements to criminal justice procedures.

The consultation will last for 12 weeks and closes on 17 June 2005.

(MB/SP)