Library image: Matthew Scott, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner
Matthew Scott, Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, has vowed to press on with plans for a new immediate justice service for Kent, despite the Home Office writing to PCCs to inform them that they will no longer be funding the roll out of immediate justice nationwide (1 August).
Following a pilot project in 10 Force areas, the previous Government had announced that every PCC was to receive £500,000 this October to roll out immediate justice. This would see antisocial behaviour perpetrators referred to the scheme within 48 hours to perform some form of payback to the local community.
Mr Scott said,
“I am naturally disappointed with the decision that the Home Office has chosen to make. This is not the time to be scaling back schemes that will reduce re-offending and prevent crime.
“That said, I will not be deterred from my commitment to Kent residents to take the action that is needed to make those causing antisocial behaviour pay back to our neighbourhoods. I am working with a number of groups on an immediate justice and reform programme so that perpetrators are held to account for their behaviour. I will announce my plans later this year.”