New powers to help police crack down on anti-social behaviour across Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire Police now has a new weapon in its arsenal to use as part of its ongoing action to crack down on antisocial behaviour and make our communities even safer.
Respect Orders are a new civil power designed to stop adults from committing a wide range of behaviours before they escalate, helping to tackle persistent and serious antisocial behaviour (ASB) by those aged 18 and over.
They provide police, local authorities, social landlords and other partner agencies with a stronger tool to prevent repeat offending, protect victims and improve the quality of life for local communities.
Courts can impose a Respect Order where there is evidence that a person has engaged in, or is likely to engage in, behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress, and where an order is necessary to prevent further antisocial behaviour.
The orders can include tailored restrictions, such as excluding an individual from a specific area or preventing particular conduct, alongside positive requirements aimed at addressing the root causes of their behaviour and breaking their cycle of offending, including support relating to substance use or behavioural issues.
Breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence, enabling police to take swift and robust enforcement action and providing clear consequences for continued anti-social behaviour.
Those who flout an order could face up to two years’ jail time.
Insp Chris Boylin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "These Respect Orders provide us with another tool us to help tackle repeat offending, deal with persistent ASB offenders to ensure they get the support they need to change their behaviour as well as providing greater protection for our victims and communities in affected hot spot areas.
"We continue to take reports of ASB and associated criminality extremely seriously and, working closely with our partners, we already make effective use of a range of powers, including Criminal Behaviour Orders, Dispersal Orders and Closure Orders, to protect residents and businesses from ASB.
Gary Godden (Lab), Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, added: "No-one should have to accept ASB.
"We want to build stronger communities and if people continue to stand up and report the minority of people who engage in antisocial behaviour, these new orders will allow police and partners to nip issues in the bud."
More information about Respect Orders can be found at gov.uk/government/publications/crime-and-policing-act-2026-factsheets/crime-and-policing-act-2026-anti-social-behaviour-asb-factsheet