New Respect Orders set to tackle antisocial behaviour
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden has welcomed stronger new powers for police and partners to protect communities from the blight of antisocial behaviour.
Respect Orders are a new civil power designed to stop adults from committing a wide range of behaviours before they escalate, helping to tackle persistent and serious antisocial behaviour by those aged 18 and over.
They provide police, local authorities, social landlords and other partner agencies with a stronger tool to prevent repeat offending, protect victims and improve the quality of life for local communities.
PCC Godden said: "Antisocial behaviour can have a significant impact on people's quality of life and has a detrimental effect on community spirit and community cohesion.
"The implementation of Respect Orders here in Nottinghamshire means police and partners now have stronger powers to protect communities from antisocial behaviour – which is vital to give people increased trust and confidence that this issue is taken seriously and will be dealt with.
"No one should have to accept antisocial behaviour. We want to build stronger communities and if people continue to stand up and report the minority of people who engage in antisocial behaviour, these new orders will allow police and partners to nip issues in the bud."
Courts can impose a Respect Order where there is evidence that a person has engaged in, or is likely to engage in, behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress, and where an order is necessary to prevent further antisocial behaviour.
The orders can include tailored restrictions, such as excluding an individual from a specific area or preventing particular conduct, alongside positive requirements aimed at addressing the root causes of their behaviour and breaking their cycle of offending, including support relating to substance use or behavioural issues.
Breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence, enabling police to take swift and robust enforcement action and providing clear consequences for continued anti-social behaviour. Those who flout an order could face up to two years’ jail time.
Inspector Chris Boylin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "The Respect Orders provide us with another tool us to help tackle repeat offending, deal with persistent antisocial behaviour offenders to ensure they get the support they need to change their behaviour as well as providing greater protection for our victims and communities in affected hot spot areas.
"We continue to take reports of antisocial behaviour and associated criminality extremely seriously and, working closely with our partners, we already make effective use of a range of powers, including Criminal Behaviour Orders, Dispersal Orders and Closure Orders, to protect residents and businesses from persistent antisocial behaviour.
“There is simply no place for antisocial behaviour in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and our officers will continue to take appropriate action against anyone found to be causing problems for others, with the aim of preventing further offences from occurring and ensuring people feel safe.
More information about Respect Orders can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crime-and-policing-act-2026-factsheets/crime-and-policing-act-2026-anti-social-behaviour-asb-factsheet