Background

The initial deployment of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) following the passing of the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act was much slower than anticipated. This was mainly attributed to a lack of familiarity with their use, the time and costs involved in processing cases and the uncertainty about their effects (Burney, 2002). Over the past few years, the number of ASBOs issued has grown rapidly (see Figure 1.1) and although there are considerable regional variations, the number of ASBOs reported to the Home Office by all courts in England and Wales up to the end of June 2005 was 6,497.

The 2002 Police Reform Act extended the right to apply for ASBOs to the British Transport Police and Registered Social Landlords. The Act also introduced Anti-Social Behaviour Orders on Conviction (CRASBOs), which may be imposed by the courts in addition to a sentence for a criminal offence involving anti-social behaviour, as well as interim ASBOs, which may be imposed relatively quickly before awaiting a full hearing (Home Office, 2003).

The availability of these measures has no doubt been influential in encouraging the greater use of ASBOs. The rapid increase in the number of ASBOs and CRASBOs issued suggests that a review of their effectiveness and impact is timely.

There has been much discussion in academic and public circles about the use of ASBOs recently, but there is limited empirical research (Squires and Stephen, 2005). This research was designed to provide an exploratory study of ASBOs and to examine the views and experiences of the three key parties involved – the agencies, the offenders and the victims.

The research aims to examine the implementation of ASBOs and their impact on the different types of offenders. It examines the role of the agencies involved in processing and issuing ASBOs; the impact on those given ASBOs, particularly in relation to their propensity to engage in anti-social and criminal behaviour; and the experience and concerns of victims and affected communities.

Recent research and publications on ASBOs

The first major piece of research on ASBOs was carried out by Siobhan Campbell (2002a). This research was based on the examination of 94 case files, 76 interviews with practitioners and 33 interviews with victims. The research focused on the role of the agencies and partnerships in processing ASBOs and in developing clearer procedures for handling cases.