Vulnerable adults and anti-social behaviour: an exploration of current practice

Behaviours targeted by the anti-social behaviour legislation can be a sign of mental health problems and police officers are in the difficult position of having to decide to be either guided by civil law, criminal law or take the mental health route This study explored challenges to working across professional, organisational and policy boundaries at a practice and strategic level specifically related to vulnerable adults and anti-social behaviour. Participants had different interpretations of anti-social behaviour. This lack of shared understanding can complicate partnership working.