Derbyshire Constabulary has launched an ‘immediate justice’ scheme, that forces the perpetrators of anti-social behaviour to pay back their communities for wrongdoing is putting Derbyshire on the map.

Angelique Foster, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, launched the Derbyshire Action Against Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Plan last summer to boost the successful work already being carried out to drive down anti-social behaviour.

Proactive enforcement police patrols were swiftly initiated in every local authority district and the city to deliver the strong and visible policing presence the public expects.

Derbyshire is now believed to be the only area of the country so far to be integrating the two ASB pilot schemes to maximum effect by ensuring perpetrators identified during hotspot patrols receive fast ‘community payback’ as punishment for their behaviour.

Since the Immediate Justice Scheme launched, 171 referrals have been received by restorative services charity Remedi, which has been commissioned to deliver the Immediate Justice service for the county. This is the highest figure in the country.

Referrals are increasing month on month, with 56 received in December 2023 compared to 13 in October 2023 – and the figures look set to rise.

Becky Clough, Hotspot Policing and Immediate Justice Manager for Derbyshire Constabulary said: "It's brilliant to see the progress in referrals that we've made since the Immediate Justice scheme was introduced. We're also seeing that those who take part in the scheme are less likely to reoffend, which is a real positive for everyone involved and their communities. We will continue to build upon our work so far, to help those committing anti-social behaviour understand the effects of their actions and move them away from committing crime."