The effectiveness of the ASBO – a practitioner perspective

Abstract

Purpose

Academics, politicians and the media have debated the merits of the Anti‐Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for over a decade. Much of this discussion has been associated with negative connotations and there are currently government proposals to abolish the order in favour of a Crime Prevention Injunction (CPI). This study seeks to provide a practitioner perspective to further inform this debate.

Design/methodology/approach

Using qualitative analysis, the research examines 36 ASBOs administered within a policing division in the North West of England. It supplements these findings with qualitative data that harvest the views of practitioners involved in the application and enforcement of these orders.

Findings

The study shows that practitioners view the ASBO as an effective tool in managing and reducing antisocial behaviour. In doing so it questions the interpretation of other research findings and provides timely and relevant information that should be considered prior to the implementation of any change to current practice.

Research limitations/implications

The data relate to one Police Division in the North West of England and caution must be acknowledged when considering how representative they are across the rest of the UK.

Originality/value

A practitioner perspective has been lacking from the debate concerning the ASBO. These data provide a fresh perception on its use and benefits.

Citation

Kirby, S. and Edmondson, A. (2012), "The effectiveness of the ASBO – a practitioner perspective", Safer Communities, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 96-104. https://doi.org/10.1108/17578041211215320