The 28-page guidance document for the police and other frontline workers aims to help them fight antisocial behaviour and make the best use of the contracts. It outlines the importance of multi-agency working and provides guidance on dealing with antisocial behaviour on a large scale, such as on housing estates.
The Home Office is also running training seminars to sharpen police skills in dealing with persistent antisocial behaviour.
Smith called on police and local authorities to widen their use of the contracts, which are voluntary agreements between police or local authorities and those involved in antisocial behaviour.
Rob Allen, director of the International Centre for Prison Studies, said: "There's a lot to be said for contracts, but they're only likely to have an impact on certain kinds of young people. Having a blanket target for increasing the number isn't necessarily the right way forward."
- www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk.
