In April, Sheffield’s City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) came into force.
PSPOs are used by local authorities to help tackle anti-social behaviour in a particular area. Their purpose is to make public spaces safer and improve the quality of life for the local community.
In the first three months, there were almost 1,000 recorded breaches of the PSPO, with officers taking action to tackle any behaviour that caused harassment, alarm or distress to others.
Early figures also shows that welfare checks and referrals to support services are also being given to anyone who needs help, as part of the process.
While it is too early to determine whether there is a downward trend in anti-social behaviour, feedback from businesses and visitors has been positive.
In the first three months:
• 990 breaches of the PSPO have been recorded, involving 219 individuals.
• In 350 of breaches, the individual was offered advice about the PSPO or directed to support pathways and welfare services.
• Officers confiscated drugs or alcohol in 99 cases.
• In 354 instances, individuals were asked to move out of an area.
• 62 people have received Notices of Intended Action (NIAs). While PSPOs can be enforced with fines, the NIA process emphasises a preventative approach, prioritising advice and guidance to help individuals comply with the order.
• No Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been issued to date.
More than half of those who received an NIA have been referred to the ASB Harm Reduction Enforcement Pathway Meeting. This is a monthly multi-agency forum that focuses on individuals with complex needs who are repeatedly breaching the PSPO.
This reflects ambitions to create collaborative, long-term solutions that first and foremost engage and help individuals who breach the order.
Data also shows that no fixed penalty notices have yet been issued as officers have prioritised offering support to people rather than issuing fines, which was outlined the original Enforcement and Support Protocol for the PSPO.
The purpose of the newly implemented PSPO is ensure our city centre is safe and inviting for those who live in the area and those visiting.“These early figures show that action is being taken to stop anyone behaving in way that is causing distress to others. Hopefully in time we will see these behaviours reduced and people feeling safer.
“It is also great to see reflected in the figures that officers are using their powers to offer support and intervention to those who need it. To tackle issues of anti-social behaviour in the city centre, we know we must also give people the help they need to improve their situation, which remains a priority.
“I want to reiterate that the PSPO is there to keep people safe. It will only be enforced if behaviour is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to others.
Councillor Kurtis Crossthorn, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council
The PSPO was introduced to give officers the tools they need to respond to behaviours that negatively impact the city centre, while prioritising early intervention and support.
The figures show that the majority of interactions have focused on providing help and guidance, rather than enforcement.
So far, patrols have focussed on anti-social behaviour during the daytime, as this is what causes the most concern for people using the city centre.
We have been receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents and people who work in the city centre since the introduction of the PSPO.
“It has filled a gap in legislation and allows us to introduce early interventions to stop behaviours, which may not necessarily be criminal, from escalating.
“We have also seen a reduction in wider criminality since the introduction of the PSPO as it allows us to act quickly and respond appropriately.
Andrew Rimmer, City Centre Inspector for South Yorkshire Police
The Council remains committed to monitoring the impact of the PSPO and working closely with partners to ensure Sheffield city centre is a place where everyone feels safe and supported.
For more information about the PSPO go to the Sheffield City Council website.