News In Focus
13 February 2007
Instant penalties for antisocial behaviour
All Scottish police officers are to have the power to issue on-the-spot £40 penalties for antisocial behaviour.
The announcement this morning by Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont follows a successful pilot project in Tayside. It will mean fixed penalty notices being given out for offences such as breach of the peace, urinating in public and drinking alcohol in places where it is banned.
Evaluation
Over the 12 months of the pilot, 3,327 fixed penalty notices were issued predominantly for breach of the peace (49%), urinating or defecating in circumstances causing annoyance to others (28%) and consuming alcohol in a public place (12%).
A University of Abertay evaluation found that 63% of fines issued were paid within the statutory 28-day period and, in the Dundee District Court area, 78% had been paid six months after the pilot. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of police officers agreed that the process saved them time - an estimated 1,300 hours over the 12-month period.
Although there was some evidence that fixed penalty notices were issued where previously a warning would have been given, there was little evidence of repeat offending.
If the fine is not paid or challenged within 28 days, it increases to £60 and is treated as a registered fine from the district court.
Timetable
Under the rollout programme, officers in Central Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway, Fife and the Northern Constabulary area will start using fixed penalty notices this spring, with Grampian and Lothian & Borders following suit by the end of the summer and Strathclyde issuing the penalties by the end of 2007.
Speaking in Dundee, Johann Lamont said: "Fixed penalty notices allow police to take swift and visible action against antisocial behaviour. The evidence suggests that they deter offenders from repeating such behaviour in future."
Tayside Chief Constable John Vine added: "The process is straightforward and efficient and has made a difference in reducing bureaucracy for the police and our other criminal justice partners."