Community remedy

What is Community Remedy?

Community Remedy provides victims of disruptive behaviour, such as ASB, public order offences and vandalism, the opportunity to have a say in how those offenders are held accountable.

These crimes, while less serious in nature than more severe offences, can affect victims and communities in significant ways. Community Remedy gives these victims a choice in how offenders are held accountable and can make amends in ways that are meaningful for the victim and their community.

There are three main ways that offenders can take responsibility for their actions through Community Remedy:

• Reparative: offenders make amends directly to the victim or the community, such as paying compensation or repairing the damage.
• Restorative: offenders take responsibility for their actions through an apology or taking part in restorative talks with the people they have harmed to understand the impact their behaviour has had.
• Rehabilitation: offenders are supported to understand and address the reasons behind the behaviour, such as addiction or mental health issues, through accessing specialist support services.

How does Community Remedy work?

When ASB and offences such as criminal damage and vandalism happen and the offender has admitted guilt, the police can offer an alternative to going to court if they feel the matter would be better dealt within the community.

Instead of involving the courts, an agreement is sought between the victim and the offender on an appropriate intervention. The victim is shown a list of options on the Community Remedy document, from which they can choose the one which they feel fits best.

The police have the final decision, making sure the choice is fair, legal and is within the community’s best interest.

Why is Community Remedy important?

Community Remedy addresses less serious offences without the need for lengthy and expensive court proceedings. It offers victims a chance to see justice served in a way that feels meaningful and personal to them.

For offenders, particularly first-time offenders, Community Remedy focuses on accountability and positive change. It helps them understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility and reform their behaviour, without the lasting stigma of entering the criminal justice system.

Community Remedy benefits not only the individuals involved, but the wider community through rehabilitation and reducing the likelihood of reoffending. This helps to prevent future harm and reduce the number of victims in the future.

Find out more about Community Remedy on the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner's website.