It’s been over a decade since the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced the ASB case review, originally known as the community trigger. Designed to give victims of persistent anti-social behaviour a voice, the review was intended to ensure agencies stepped back, re-evaluated and asked: Have we truly done all we can?

Yet here we are, 11 years on, and this vital mechanism remains underused and widely misunderstood.

Too often, the review is mistaken for a complaints procedure – a perception that leads to reluctance among some practitioners to initiate it. But the ASB case review is not about assigning blame; it’s about collaboration, reflection, and problem-solving. At its heart, it’s a second chance to get things right for victims who have been let down by the initial response. Of equal concern is the inconsistency in how reviews are conducted across the country: some areas invite the victim to participate in the process, while others don’t. Some meetings are run with care, structure, and professionalism; others feel disorganised or lack focus. This variation can undermine trust in the process and further isolate victims.

Victim involvement isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s essential. It is the thread that connects agencies’ decisions with real-life impact. Giving victims a voice in the review meeting ensures the human cost of ongoing ASB isn’t lost in paperwork or policy.

Changes are underway, with the Crime and Policing Bill proposing reform, particularly concerning accountability, meaning there’s an opportunity to breathe new life into the ASB case review. But legislation alone won’t drive change: culture, training and awareness must evolve alongside policy.

Consequently, RHE Global is launching a new online course this autumn, designed to support ASB professionals in delivering better reviews that have greater consistency. Led by seasoned expert Anna Smith, this training will explore what good practice looks like and how to engage with victims meaningfully, as well as provide tips for running effective and purposeful meetings.

If we want the ASB case review to fulfil its potential, we need to stop treating it as an administrative burden and start seeing it as a lifeline – a critical tool to ensure victims aren’t left unheard or unsupported.

Training details and course dates will be available from September 2025 and can be found here. 

It’s time to raise the standard and put the ‘review’ back into the ASB case review.