Responses to HMIC report on anti-social behaviour that is due to be published today (23rd September)

Paul McKeever, Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales, says;

"This common sense report provides essential evidence to support what many have known for years; that 'partnership' working all too often relies on the police taking the lead. It also reinforces what we have been saying for some time, that it is vitally important to retain 'feet on the beat' amidst the many changes we face and the threat of budget cuts."

"Fully-warranted police officers on the beat are essential for the safety and security of the tax-paying public, whether that is tackling anti-social behaviour or dealing with the myriad of incidents we are called to attend. The HMIC is right to raise this important issue at this time and it acts as a timely reminder to the government ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review that deep cuts would drastically harm the service we are able to provide."

Chief Superintendent Ali Higgins, North Yorkshire Police's Director of Reassurance and Response :

"We in the police service are acutely aware of the devastating impact anti-social behaviour can have in neighbourhoods when it is not tackled, particularly where repeat and vulnerable victims are involved.

"While the HMIC report for North Yorkshire is positive, North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Police Authority will nevertheless continue to work tirelessly to further improve our response to such incidents.

"This effort includes an internal awareness campaign, 'Get a Grip', aimed at recognising anti-social behaviour as a key priority for officers and staff. Daily and weekly performance monitoring has been established at force and district level to ensure emerging and repeat incidents are resolved speedily in conjunction with local authority partners. Overall performance is also monitored each month by an anti-social behaviour steering group.

"What is clear from the HMIC report is that where there is police action, victim satisfaction in the police response to anti-social behaviour is high. This is the key and it is an approach strongly supported by the force's Strategic Leadership Team.

"However anti-social behaviour is not a matter for the police to tackle alone, although we accept that we have a very important role to play. We must continue to work alongside local councils and other partner agencies to put in place effective and long-term problem solving plans."