What is Community Remedy?
On 20th October 2014 Community Remedy was introduced by the Anti-social behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which enables victims of anti-social behaviour or low-level crime to choose (with guidance from an officer) a suitable resolution for offenders to carry out as an alternative to going through the criminal justice system.
Community Remedy, similar to areas of restorative justice, is intended to allow victims of low-level crime and anti-social behaviour a voice in the out-of-court punishment for perpetrators.
The aim of community remedy is to make community justice transparent to the public and involve victims in the process to provide fair punishments by publishing a community remedy document.
What is the Community Remedy Document?
The Community Remedy document is a list of actions that may be chosen by the victim for the perpetrator to undertake in consequence of their behaviour or offending. A police officer will make the final decision as to what action is appropriate.
The Derbyshire Community Remedy document can be downloaded HERE
Requirements for the use of the Community Remedy
The requirements that have to be met before using community remedy are:
- Mainly to be used for first time offending
- Evidence that a person has engaged in anti-social behaviour
- Admittance of guilt from the person engaged with the behaviour, and agree to participate and capable of understanding the situation and process
- Evidence is suitable for taking proceedings for a civil injunction but considered that a community resolution would be more appropriate.
Benefits to Community Remedy
- Community remedy allows victims a voice in the outcome of offenders
- Allows a simple process for first time offending
- Provides a local influence in outcomes which is likely to increase public confidence.