Anti-Social Behaviour Officers will have new skills after completing a course designed specifically to address the professional needs they require.
The pilot scheme, commissioned by Birmingham Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, was introduced at the University of Birmingham as a result of specific research into the training needs of Anti-Social Behaviour Officers here in the Midlands.
"We are delighted that in providing this programme we have made a significant contribution to protecting communities in Birmingham and the West Midlands," says Alison Paris, Director of Professional Practice Development in the Institute of Applied Social Sciences at the University of Birmingham.
The course included contributions from the RESPECT task force and also included substantial legal input to support ASB Officers in their work with victims and witnesses.
Alison Parsons, Head of Anti-Social Behaviour said: "Student feedback has been really positive. The course has enhanced their knowledge and capacity to offer a service that really meets community needs."
The first roll-out of the programme has proved so successful that the Unit will be repeating it this year - this time for students from across England.
The first group of Officers to have taken part in the scheme collected their certificates at an Award Ceremony last night at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Certificate in Anti-Social Behaviour and Intervention is an academically accredited certificate offered at graduate and postgraduate level.
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