§ Clive EffordTo ask the Solicitor-General what steps she has taken to ensure that the Crown Prosecution Service uses powers available under the Police Reform Act 2002 when dealing with cases of antisocial behaviour. [136221]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has issued guidance on the procedures 10 be followed in cases when it is appropriate to remind a court of its power to make an order on conviction in criminal proceedings pursuant to section 1 C of the Crime and Disorder Act 1988, as amended by the Police Reform Act 2002.
In appropriate cases, the prosecutor will remind the court of its power to make an order on conviction and will draw the court's attention to the facts of the case that are relevant to the making of an order, together with details of any relevant previous convictions.
The Anti-Social Behaviour Bill seeks to provide the CPS with express power to apply for orders on conviction and to call additional evidence to be led at a contested hearing of an order on conviction, which need not be restricted or linked to the criminal case before court. The CPS will issue further guidance and training to reflect these changes.
§ Clive EffordTo ask the Solicitor-General what action she has taken to ensure that the Crown Prosecution in Service co-operates with(a) local authorities and (b) police forces to deal with cases of antisocial behaviour. [136222]
778W
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Crown Prosecution Service has assembled a project team to deal with issues arising from the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill. The aims of the project are: firstly, to develop national guidance with the police dealing with the evidence required to pursue an order on conviction and the type of conditions to be sought; and secondly, to develop local protocols with the police and local authorities as to when it will be appropriate for each agency to take the lead in dealing with applications for orders and prosecuting breaches.
The Home Office Anti-Social Behaviour Unit has agreed to fund a network of 10 to 12 local anti-social behaviour prosecutors within the Crown Prosecution Service. These local experts will engage with the local community and will work with a central project team to issue guidance. They will assist in developing protocols with local agencies, encourage the use of orders on conviction and coordinate local training.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Solicitor-General how many anti-social behaviour prosecutors will join the Crown Prosecution Service; and what their powers will be. [136270]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Home Office Anti-Social Behaviour Unit has agreed to fund a network of 10 to 12 local antisocial behaviour prosecutors with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). These local experts will engage with the local community and will work with a central team to issue guidance, develop protocols and provide training across the CPS.
The prosecutors will be deployed in areas where a high level of antisocial behaviour orders are sought, although they will be expected to share good practice across the CPS. They will: prosecute antisocial behaviour and low-level disorder offences; establish good links with local communities and agencies; encourage the use of orders on conviction; and coordinate local training.