New 'Respect Orders' will come into force from October this year, serving as a modernised version of the antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) introduced by the previous Labour government. These orders aim to crack down on persistent antisocial behaviour that causes harassment, alarm, or distress, including littering, vandalism, public drunkenness, aggressive dogs, and noise nuisance.
Key Features of Respect Orders
Respect Orders are designed to disrupt and deter repeat offenders. Breaching an order will be a criminal offence, carrying an unlimited fine or a potential prison sentence. Policing minister Sarah Jones stated: "Respect Orders will ban perpetrators from the places they blight, force them to confront the causes of their behaviour and make breaching one a criminal offence with serious consequences, including prison. This sends a clear message that repeat offenders cannot be allowed to make life a misery for local communities any longer."
How Respect Orders Differ from ASBOs
Unlike ASBOs, Respect Orders will apply only to adults displaying antisocial behaviour. They also include positive requirements, such as attending anger management courses or drug and alcohol rehabilitation, to address the root causes of the behaviour.
Comparison with Existing Powers
The original ASBO was replaced in 2014 by civil injunctions and Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs). Civil injunctions cover behaviour below the criminal threshold but lack arrest powers for breaches. CBOs require a criminal conviction. Respect Orders combine the flexibility of civil injunctions with the enforcement strength of CBOs, making breaches a criminal offence and arrestable.
Police Powers Under Respect Orders
Police will have the power to immediately arrest individuals breaching a Respect Order. Offenders may face community sentences or prison time. The orders will be available to police, councils, social landlords, and other public authorities from October 26.
