YES - John Reid, secretary of state, Home Office
We have provided the police and other agencies with a number of powersto tackle anti-social behaviour. The police, local authorities and thepublic have advised us what is needed and what works. It is fair wherethere is persistently excessive noise and rowdy behaviour or whereresidents intimidate and threaten their neighbours the consequences areclear and tough.Victims will see action being taken quickly - and inmany cases the offending behaviour can be addressed before it takeshold.
NO - Mike Thomas, vice chair, Association of Youth Offending TeamManagers
This defeats the whole object of acceptable behaviour contracts. Thewhole purpose of a contract is to work alongside children and parents.For some, the softer partnership approach has been beneficial, but Ican't think of what benefit they'd be if there was a suspended penalty.Presumably if parents refuse to pay fines they could be imprisoned. Soit brings contracts into a quasi-legal position that will make peoplethink twice about using them.
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