EUKN - United Kingdom - Using the legal system effectively in reducing crime and anti social behaviour on public transport

Using the legal system effectively in reducing crime and anti social behaviour on public transport

Introduction

The findings of research which took place in England and Wales in 2005 on how the legal system can be used to reduce crime and anti social behaviour on public transport.

Description

Summary The research focuses on the types of crime and forms of anti social behaviour that most concern transport operators, and explores the current legal remedies available to operators in England and Wales.

It evaluates the success of these remedies, particularly in the context of public transport and presents guidance for operators on the evidence that they need for a successful prosecution or successful application for a civil law order.

The report provides advice on using the legal system, and looks at sentencing for crimes and anti-social behaviour on public transport. The success of anti social behaviour orders, restorative justice, and penalty notices for disorder is evaluated.

Background information

Many public transport operators and providers feel that the criminal justice system does not meet their needs in tackling crime and offenders on public transport.

The aim of the study was to identify the key crimes and forms of anti social behaviour of concern to transport operators, to explain and explore the current legal remedies available to operators, evaluating their success, and to develop guidance for operators.

Methodology

A literature review was carried out, and a questionnaire survey was sent to transport operators and providers.

There were also in-depth interviews with:

operators and providers,
taxi and private hire associations,
the police,
the Crown Prosecution Service,
magistrates and other partners.

A round table discussion took place which focused on anti social behaviour and getting the best outcome from a prosecution.

Conclusions

The police emphasise the importance of gathering intelligence so that there is better targeting of resources. They recommend that transport staff report incidents promptly, and have robust internal reporting and recording systems. It is good practice to report incidents of fare evasion within half an hour of the incident, and for the report to be computer generated.

Good practice in using the criminal justice system included:

using the media,
neighbourhood police teams and schools liaison officers to identify suspects;
using and maintaining closed circuit television;
using story boards;
presenting witness and victim statements clearly;
providing support for staff;
and using impact statements.

Good practice in anti-social behaviour orders included:

multi agency panels discussing cases involving young people early on;
using anti social behaviour orders only as a last resort;
supporting the victim;
considering the human rights of those involved;
and monitoring the offender’s behaviour closely.

Other measures identified as good practice were:

dispersal orders,
alcohol exclusion zones,
and football banning orders.

Contact info

Department for Transport
Phone: +44 20 7944 8300
transec@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Publication date

//2007

Project finished

19/12/2006

Researcher

Department for Transport

Links

Visit the Department for Transport website Print the "Using legal system" report from the Department for Transport website

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Security & crime prevention > Anti-crime policy

Keywords

Transport & vehicle crime