Falkirk Council

• What is the "Falkirk Investigation, Response and Support Team" (FIRST)?
• What can FIRST do?
• What can you expect from us?
• How can I help?
• Who should I contact?

What is the "Falkirk Investigation, Response and Support Team" (FIRST)?

FIRST is a specialist team of officers within Housing Services, established by Falkirk Council to tackle serious antisocial behaviour. Falkirk Council is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour through a multi-agency partnership approach and the team work closely with other Council Services, voluntary agencies and Central Scotland Police.

[back]|

What can FIRST do?

Falkirk Investigation Response & Support Team will work in partnership with other agencies and use all the powers available to protect resident's entitlement to peacefully enjoy their homes.

We can:

• Investigate cases thoroughly 
• Identify and implement the appropriate course of action to resolve the situation
• Gather evidence to pursue legal action, which can include the use of surveillance equipment
• Act as professional witnesses
• Apply for Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), Interdicts and eviction action to repossess tenancies
• Liase with other agencies to support tenants.

[back]|

What can you expect from us?

If you are the Victim/Witness of antisocial behaviour:

We will:

• Work with other agencies to provide support for you
• Keep you informed at all times
• Investigate the case efficiently and effectively to identify the best way to improve the situation
• Aim to protect your entitlement to peacefully enjoy your home and protect your right to family life

If you are the person whose behaviour is disrupting your neighbour's home life:

We will:

• Work together with you to help you to change your behaviour, whenever possible
• Clearly explain the situation to you at all times and advise you, what is expected of you
• Initiate legal action against you if the situation does not improve.

[back]|

How can I help?

• You can keep the Neighbour Nuisance Incident Diary updated and the FIRST Officer leading your case will arrange a convenient time to collect these diaries on a regular basis
• By giving evidence in court. If we are pursuing legal action we require evidence and the best evidence is from people who have been directly affected by the situation
• We do provide support for people who are acting as witnesses in conjunction with Victim Support, Witness Service. However, if you feel you are unable to do this we may be able to gather evidence in different ways, although this can take more time
• We understand the effects that situations of antisocial behaviour can have on neighbours and their families and we will be working to protect your rights. Falkirk Council must fulfill legislative and statutory requirements and the timescales for pursuing legal action are out-with our control.

[back]|

 Who should I contact if I want FIRST to help?

• If you are a Council tenant, please report any problems you are having with neighbours to your local Neighbourhood Office or call the Antisocial Behaviour Helpline. Contact details are available within the contact us sections of this page.
• If you are a Housing Association tenant, you can report any problems you are having directly to your Housing Association, call the Antisocial Behaviour Helpline or contact the FIRST team directly. Contact details are available within the contact us sections of this page.
• If you are a Private Resident (Home Owner, Private Sector Tenant), please call the Antisocial Behaviour Helpline or the FIRST team directly. Contact details are available within the contact us sections of this page.

[back]|