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29/06/2005
Witness protection measures announced as ASBOs double
The government has announced new measures aimed at protecting vulnerable witnesses as the latest figures reveal that the number of anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) cases has doubled.
The announcement of the new measures comes as new Home Office figures show that the number of ASBOs being issued has more than doubled. Between October and December 786 orders were issued, an increase of just over twice the number issued in the same quarter last year. The total number of ASBOs issued since they were introduced in April 1999 is now 4,649.
The new measures, which will come into effect from Friday, will include the provision of screens in court, video links to enable the witness to provide evidence outside the courtroom and the use of intermediaries when communicating with the police.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said that the measures were being introduced because it could be difficult for victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour to come forward.
Automatic reporting restrictions, which prevent local media from publishing details of people who breach their ASBOs, will also be lifted under the new measures.
Human rights group Liberty have expressed concerns about the lifting of the reporting restrictions, claiming that naming people with ASBOs could lead to vigilantism.
Ms Blears said: “Anti-social behaviour is a menace for many people and it needs to be dealt with swiftly and effectively. ASBOs make a real difference to people’s lives by helping to rebuild confidence in communities and bringing the actions of a selfish minority to task.”
The Home Office also announced that funding for Individual Support Orders (ISOs) for 10-17-year-olds would be increased by £500,000. ISOs can be attached to an ASBO and direct the young person to activities and support to address the underlying causes of their anti-social behaviour, including anger management courses and alcohol and drug misuse programmes.
Ms Blears said: “ISOs are a positive means of addressing the underlying causes of unacceptable and damaging behaviour. I hope to see an increase in the number of ISOs issued as a result of the funding made available today. A package of support and enforcement will bring about positive changes to many young people’s lives.”
(KMcA/SP)
The announcement of the new measures comes as new Home Office figures show that the number of ASBOs being issued has more than doubled. Between October and December 786 orders were issued, an increase of just over twice the number issued in the same quarter last year. The total number of ASBOs issued since they were introduced in April 1999 is now 4,649.
The new measures, which will come into effect from Friday, will include the provision of screens in court, video links to enable the witness to provide evidence outside the courtroom and the use of intermediaries when communicating with the police.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said that the measures were being introduced because it could be difficult for victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour to come forward.
Automatic reporting restrictions, which prevent local media from publishing details of people who breach their ASBOs, will also be lifted under the new measures.
Human rights group Liberty have expressed concerns about the lifting of the reporting restrictions, claiming that naming people with ASBOs could lead to vigilantism.
Ms Blears said: “Anti-social behaviour is a menace for many people and it needs to be dealt with swiftly and effectively. ASBOs make a real difference to people’s lives by helping to rebuild confidence in communities and bringing the actions of a selfish minority to task.”
The Home Office also announced that funding for Individual Support Orders (ISOs) for 10-17-year-olds would be increased by £500,000. ISOs can be attached to an ASBO and direct the young person to activities and support to address the underlying causes of their anti-social behaviour, including anger management courses and alcohol and drug misuse programmes.
Ms Blears said: “ISOs are a positive means of addressing the underlying causes of unacceptable and damaging behaviour. I hope to see an increase in the number of ISOs issued as a result of the funding made available today. A package of support and enforcement will bring about positive changes to many young people’s lives.”
(KMcA/SP)
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