Putting in place a framework to tackle antisocial behavior
20/03/2009
The vast majority of Scotland's communities are good places to live and work. However I am all too aware that many continue to be blighted by crime and antisocial behaviour.
Such behaviour, although totally unacceptable is often a symptom of deep-rooted problems such as lack of opportunity and the effects of drink, drugs and deprivation.
As well as providing the police with an all-time record number of officers and the resources to deal with the people who commit these crimes that cause such misery in our communities, we also want to address the underlying causes of such behaviour.
The new Framework for preventing antisocial behaviour in Scotland - published jointly with COSLA yesterday - will build on the current ASB legislation but recognises that prevention and early and effective intervention need to be at the heart of our action to tackle antisocial behaviour.
We have been clear throughout the review that enforcement measures such as ASBOs will not on their own deliver long-term solutions. They should continue to be one of the tools in the box, available for use by the police and local authorities.
We are building on what has gone before. I believe the existing legislation provides a good start. But I think it is possible to be smarter in how we tackle the problem. Enforcement measures alone will not solve the deep-seated problems that fuel disorder in our communities.
They might provide a temporary plaster - and therefore some respite - but we need a longer term solution. We need to prevent the scars in the first place. That is why our approach aims to prevent antisocial behaviour before it occurs, resolve it effectively when it does and help agencies work together more effectively.
This new Framework is aimed at promoting positive outcomes, preventing antisocial behaviour before it occurs, resolving such behaviour effectively when it does occur and helping agencies work together more effectively.
It is not about abandoning what went before but about being smarter in how we tackle the problem. We should be focussing on tackling the symptoms of the problem and working together better to achieve shared outcomes.
I recognise that these problems cannot be turned around overnight but by tackling the causes of antisocial behaviour we will improve the quality of life for those who live in our communities.
Role models and mentors can be a great way to provide a positive influence on our young people and adults and turn them away from such behaviour.
The work carried out by Scottish Sports Futures, is an example of the kind of initiatives we want to see. I was delighted to yesterday meet and hear at first hand from members of the Scottish Rocks basketball team, how the work they do with young people in our cities is diverting them from crime and helping turn their lives around.
As well as funding SSF's Twilight Basketball, the many strands of our CashBack for Communities scheme are offering opportunities for our young people involved in or at risk of being involved in antisocial behaviour to realise their potential and become responsible citizens.
Working together with our key partners is vital to making sure that this Framework delivers a safer, stronger Scotland. The Framework is the product of an inclusive, consensual and evidence-led review of asb national policy.
It is owned and will be delivered by all the agencies involved in tackling antisocial behaviour in Scotland.
The problems besetting some of our communities cannot be turned around overnight. However, by working together to promote positive outcomes and tackle the causes of antisocial behaviour we will improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities for the long term and help Scotland to flourish.