Policing Minister visits Hemel Hempstead to hear how new Respect Orders will be used
Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP visited Hemel Hempstead to hear how new Respect Orders will be used to tackle anti-social behaviour.
The Minister was joined by Hemel Hempstead MP David Taylor for a briefing at the town’s police station on Wednesday October 21.
During the visit she heard how the force was planning to use Respect Orders to address persistent anti-social behaviour and protect victims and walked around the town centre to meet businesses and hear how they have been impacted by such incidents.
The Minister met Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable Andy Prophet and the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards, as well as members of the force’s Community Safety Unit and Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Chief Constable Prophet said: “We were pleased the Policing Minister chose to come to Hertfordshire to hear how we plan on making a difference to our communities using the new Respect Orders.
“Our neighbourhood policing teams work closely with community safety unit colleagues and local partners every day to tackle anti-social behaviour and address the issues that matter most to our communities.
“We already make effective use of a range of powers, including Criminal Behaviour Orders and Closure Orders, to protect residents and businesses from persistent anti-social behaviour.
“Respect Orders are a welcome addition to the tools available to us. They will help us intervene earlier, tackle repeat offending and provide greater protection for victims and communities.
“We have already identified up to 30 individuals who may be suitable for these orders and will be looking to secure them through the courts as soon as possible.”
Respect Orders are new civil behavioural orders for adults introduced under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which are designed to provide police with a stronger tool to prevent repeat offending, protect victims and improve the quality of life for local communities.
Courts can impose Respect Orders where there is evidence that people can engage in or are likely to engage in behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress.
Breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence, which police say provides “clear consequences for continued anti-social behaviour.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Ash-Edwards added: “I welcome the proactive approach that Hertfordshire Constabulary is taking to the introduction of Respect Orders, as recognised by the Minister’s visit.
“Respect Orders should help tackle persistent anti-social behaviour and offending, both by restricting what offenders can do and addressing the underlying causes of poor behaviour. Their impact will ultimately depend on whether the courts impose proper consequences for any breaches.”