Community Remedy - listening to victims

Did you know that you have a voice and choice in deciding what happens when you’ve been victim to low level crime or antisocial behaviour? 

Community Remedy is a new process that listens to the opinions of victims and reduces the burden on the criminal justice system. It’s a national initiative that provides an opportunity for victims to have more say in the way offenders are dealt with out of court. 

It can only be applied in cases that are suitable for an Out of Court Resolution (OoCR), which are generally low-level crime such as antisocial behaviour or criminal damage.

You can choose from a list of options which include the opportunity to engage or communicate with the offender either face to face or in writing; an immediate apology at the scene of the incident; an acceptable behaviour contract; educational support or a diversionary activity to support an improvement in behaviour; or requesting that those responsible pay for or repair any damage. 

The chosen option should be reasonable and proportionate to the offence, and the police officer or PCSO handling the case will use the feedback to make a final decision on the most appropriate outcome.

Dealing with a case out of court doesn’t mean that that the offender is escaping punishment.  The offender is still sanctioned lawfully, and this will show up on a DBS check. 

Chief Inspector Dave Snaith, who works in the Prevention Command for the force, said: “Listening to victims about the type of outcome they would like to see when they have been at the receiving end of low-level crime or antisocial behaviour, is so important in the justice process.  Each individual case is different, and there are many occasions where waiting for an offender to get to court is not the most cathartic outcome for the victim, nor the best way to prevent that person from offending again.

“Going through an educational or diversionary activity to support an improvement in behaviour, can also turn someone around and prevent them getting involved in further crime.  

“Sometimes, receiving an apology and seeing the person responsible for the offence, showing real remorse can be far more powerful in the healing process that victims go through following an incident, than any sanction issued by the courts.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: "With ongoing challenges across the criminal justice system, it's important the police and other agencies look at new ways to achieve justice on behalf of victims.

"Using an out-of-court resolution is not a soft option. When used appropriately, they can be incredibly powerful, giving victims better outcomes and proving effective at addressing offending behaviour. 

"Restorative approaches in particular can give victims a sense of closure, whilst helping offenders to realise the consequence of their actions on an individual, group or community. 

"I will continue to monitor the use of out-of-court resolutions by Cleveland Police, to ensure they are being used proportionately and with the interests of victims in mind."

Following consultation with the public, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable have agreed the five options available to victims in Cleveland.

You can read more about the options available in the ​Community Remedy Guide​.