Police and criminal convictions
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
The police have a range of powers which can be used to prevent and deal with antisocial behaviour.
Intervention and investigating complaints
The police can intervene to prevent or deal with crime or a breach of the peace. They can arrest people and investigate possible offences, such as by searching people, cars and buildings. The police can usually respond quickly and they are the best equipped agency to deal with violence and other serious offences.
Harassment is a criminal offence, but it can be difficult to get the police to help you to prevent it. There is often some confusion about the law, and what responsibilities the police have. Explain what is happening clearly, and be prepared to ask to see a more senior officer should it be necessary.
Closure orders
The police can close down premises - even someone's home - if they believe that Class A drugs are being dealt or used there and it is causing serious nuisance or disorder. The order can last up to three months. Closure orders are often used to close down crack houses.
The police can also close licensed premises for up to 24 hours if there is trouble, or trouble is expected.
Designated Public Place Order
The council can make an order that restricts public drinking in an area where there has been a problem with alcohol-related disorders. The police can then stop people and confiscate alcohol in that area.
Dispersal areas
The police and the council working together can create a 'dispersal area'. In the area, the police can disperse groups and, after nine pm, and take home children under the age of 16, to prevent antisocial behaviour.
Criminal convictions
People convicted of criminal offences can be sentenced in a range of ways. Measures which can be taken include, for example:
Community penalties
For less serious, first-time offences, a community penalty may be given. The offender might have to do unpaid community work (community service order) and/or be supervised by the probation service and/or have to remain at home at certain times (curfew order).
Fines and restitution orders
An offender can be made to pay a fine to the court, or to pay restitution to the victim of the crime.
Prison sentence
Prison is reserved for the most serious offences, and for offenders who keep committing less serious offences. A prison sentence can also be suspended, which means that the offender remains free unless s/he re-offends.
