Immediate Justice Case Study - Brighton

After the full roll-out of the Immediate Justice (IJ) programme across the county earlier this year, the taskforce continues to see ever increasing numbers of reparative activity taking place, giving offenders the opportunity to make amends for any harm or damage caused through anti-social behaviour.

The taskforce has seen over 257 referrals to date as the programme hits one year of making a difference in Sussex.

Immediate Justice in action:

An individual who spray-painted on the wall of a language school in Brighton & Hove was issued a Community Resolution by Sussex Police after admitting to the offence and feeling remorseful for their actions.

IJ was chosen as the outcome and referred through to the Brighton Business Crime Reduction Partnership who run Putting It Right and are integral partners of the IJ Programme.

The individual was asked to complete reparative activity on Ditchling Road. Activity was led by IJ Coordinator Trudy Burns and in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Clean.

For just under three hours, the individual painted over existing graffiti whilst conversations were had reflecting on the offence and how this caused more than just damage to a property. The individual accepted full responsibility for their actions and put great effort into cleaning the wall of graffiti. They also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in Immediate Justice as a diversion outcome and wanted to be part of ‘the solution’.

Speaking about the activity and IJ Programme, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “It’s pleasing to see the continued success of the IJ Programme in Sussex. Offenders are being held to account for their actions, making visible and meaningful amends to the communities they have harmed.

“Now that our IJ programme is fully embedded within the county, I continue to support all partners working to give victims a voice, hold offenders accountable for their actions and maintain a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour within Sussex.”

You can find out more about the Immediate Justice Programme on our website.