Police to get anti-social behaviour coaching to finish crime ‘epidemic’

Thousands of police officers will be given specialist new training to tackle anti-social behaviour after a “decade of decline” under the Tories.

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson will today announce the move as the Government once again bulks up neighbourhood police teams. In a speech at the Police Superintendents Conference, Dame Diana will say that communities are “desperate” for change to tackle the crime “epidemic” they face.

Last week The Mirror saw officers being taught how to defuse arguments between neighbours and to deal with street drinkers in a town centre. It comes as latest figures show 35% of people have experienced anti-social behaviour in their local area in the last year.

Announcing the training is to be rolled out, Dame Diana will say: “Too many town centres and high streets across the country have been gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting which is corroding our communities and cannot be allowed to continue.

“There are thousands of incredible police officers and support staff doing an admirable job. But we have to face the reality that there are still too many victims of anti-social behaviour who feel that when they call the police, no one listens and no one comes.

“Our neighbourhoods and police forces have suffered enough after a decade of decline, and this government will help restore neighbourhood policing, with skilled, resilient and dedicated local cops.”

She will continue: “Every community deserves local officers who understand what is needed to keep them safe, and with this new training and our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, we will deliver the change our towns and villages are desperate for.”

The training will focus on solving issues like drug dealing, street drinking and drug use in public places. Sir Andy Marsh, Chief Constable at the College of Policing, said: “This programme is based on years of evidence of what works and I’m confident it will make a real difference.

“This is a welcome investment by the government and the College of Policing, that will support dedicated and hardworking officers and staff to protect their communities, cut crime and rebuild trust and confidence.”

The training has already been piloted in 11 forces, including the Met, Derbyshire, North Wales and Northumbria. It comes alongside a Labour pledge to boost neighbourhood policing teams by 13,000 officers.

Training is provide by Police Now, which has taught a new cohort of 191 Met Police officers. The force’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Helen Millichap, said: “These officers will play an integral role in achieving the priorities laid out in the new Met for London plan; strengthening local policing teams and focusing on the issues that matter most to Londoners.”

They completed their training at Police Now’s academy on Friday and are set to continue their training with the Met before joining neighbourhood policing teams.