Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader is seeking the views of people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland on a new process whereby so-called ‘low level’ or ‘local’ crime such as minor criminal damage are settled out-of-court with the agreement of the person affected, the perpetrator and the police. 

The new Community Remedy-style processes, similar to a process known previously as the Restorative Justice (RJ) approach, are proven to increase satisfaction among those who opt for them when compared those who the criminal justice system-centred approaches, such as taking low level offences to court. The process is also proven to reduce bureaucracy thereby increasing the amount of time officers are able to spend on the beat in our communities.  

Instead of going to court to address their vandalism of a fence, the perpetrator would, under a Community Remedy outcome, fix or repair the fence or complete some other remedial action to redress the balance.

Sir Clive said: “The survey presents an opportunity for people in our communities to have their say on how local issues are settled outside the Criminal Justice System with the full agreement of the person affected, the perpetrator and the police.”

Later this year, Restorative Justice (RJ) is to be officially renamed Community Remedy and the process will fall under the remit of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). The move is a result of the Home Office’s recent Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014).

By completing the survey, local people can have their say on what the categories should be named and what they should include. The categories will be finalised by the PCC after consultation with local people, police and partners.

Changes which come into force later this year will not affect day-to-day business but will change how police officers record outcomes. Officers will need to categorise any ‘Remedy’ that they arrange between the victim and offender, and state which Community Remedy category it fits. 

Sir Clive concluded: “Many people have a view on what would be acceptable within the Community Remedy process, what they’d like to see included and what isn’t appropriate. I welcome the views of local people to help inform this important reform to local policing services. Please take five minutes to complete the survey.”

To express your views on the proposed Community Remedy categories, and make any suggestions for any new categories, click here to see the draft categories and complete the survey.

For more information about PCC Sir Clive Loader or to become involved in shaping the vision for policing in your area, please visit the OPCC Website www.leics.pcc.police.uk

If you have any information about crime and anti-social behaviour in your area please contact your local police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.