What is the Anti-social behaviour case review?
The Anti-social behaviour case review, previously known as the Community Trigger, is a mechanism designed to give victims of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) the right to a review of their case where the locally defined criteria are met. It is part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Once the request is processed agencies are required to come together to review how previous complaints of ASB have been dealt with and what further action (if any) is required.
Who can activate the case review?
The case review can be activated by either the victim themselves or someone on their behalf – such as a carer, family member or councillor.
A victim can be an individual, business or community group.
What is the case review criteria?
In order to start the case review process and subsequent case review, one of the following criteria must be met:
- one person has reported 3 separate incidents relating to the same problem in the past 6 months, to a relevant agency (police, council, housing provider) and feels no effective action has been taken to resolve the ASB or
- one person reported 1 hate incident or crime motivated by hate in the last 6 months and no effective action has been taken and it has been referred to West Northamptonshire Council Case Management meeting
If you would like to refer your case to the case management meeting, please email your details and details of the incident to asbcasereview@westnorthants.gov.uk
The law sets out what will be considered a ‘qualifying complaint’ for using the case review. The purpose of this is to prevent someone reporting historical incidents of anti-social behaviour in order to use the case review. The legislation sets out the following standards:
- the anti-social behaviour was reported within one month of the alleged behaviour taking place
- a single incident which is reported to more than one agency only constitutes as one qualifying complaint
For the purpose of the case review, anti-social behaviour is said to be behaviour causing harassment, alarm and distress to a member or members of the public. However, when deciding whether the criteria is met the local authorities nominated case review single point of contact will consider the cumulative effect of the incidents and consider the persistence of the ASB and the harm or potential harm caused to the victim, rather than rigidly deciding whether each incident reached the level of harassment, alarm and distress.
What happens if the criteria is met?
A review will take place involving all relevant partners. The review will result in 3 outcomes:
- no further action (which can be appealed)
- further action identified and prepared into an action plan with appropriate and realistic timescales
- no further action due to impending circumstances – for example awaiting court results
When is it not suitable to use the case review?
The case review is not a complaints process, nor does it override an organisations ability to carry out actions they think are necessary. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of a case, contact the relevant organisations and ask for their complaints process.
You can find out more about making a complaint to us here.
How do I activate the case review?
You can start action through the case review using the form below
Make an anti-social case review referral
or call West Northants Community Safety Partnership on 0300 126 7000
If you would like the case review form posted to you please email asbcasereview@westnorthants.gov.uk.
Postal address:
Community Safety Partnership Manager
West Northants
One Angel Square
Northampton
NN1 1ED
