Who Are ASIST?
ASIST stands for Anti Social Investigation and Support Team.
We are a specialised team of experienced officers who investigate and resolve problems of anti social behaviour. These may include problems of youth disorder, drug dealing, loud music, assaults and threatening behaviour, etc.
We are based at a central office at Levenvalley Enterprise, Castlehill, Dumbarton, but you can arrange to meet with us in your local area housing office as we investigate cases throughout the whole of West Dunbartonshire.
How Do We Do This?
Once a "case" is referred to us we visit the complainer(s) to take statements in order to find out the full extent of the problem. We will also interview any other person (neighbour, friend or relative) who may be able to provide any further information. It is important to stress that any information passed to the team is kept strictly confidential.
In order to investigate incidents fully, regular contact is maintained between ASIST and various agencies, such as the Police, Social Work, Environmental Health, etc.
We have various pieces of technology which helps us to gather evidence including digital cameras and noise recording monitoring equipment, which can be installed in peoples homes to record noise levels.
What Action Can The Council Take Against Anti-Social Tenants?
The majority of cases that ASIST and our Enforcement Officers deal with can be resolved without the need for legal action. Often a verbal or written warning has the desired effect of modifying a persons anti social conduct.
If however there is evidence of persistent anti social behaviour, there are various legal remedies available to local authorities for dealing with anti social neighbours.
To date, the ASIST Team has utilised the full range of legal remedies at our disposal, including Eviction, Interdicts, Anti Social Behaviour Orders, Specific Implements. For further guidance on Anti Social Behaviour Orders please see the Policy and Guidelines Leaflet /Application Forms.
Mediation Service
West Dunbartonshire Council has a Neighbourhood Mediation Service, which is co-ordinated through the ASIST Team. Mediation is a way of resolving disputes, which assists the people involved to find a solution that satisfies everyone with the help of impartial trained mediators. The parties rather than the mediators, decide the terms of the agreement. Disputes can cover a wide range of issues, including noise, pets, parking, conduct of children, boundary problems, etc.
What Should I Do If I Have An Anti-Social Neighbour?
You should report any incidents to the police, at the time they are happening.
You should also keep a diary of events, and it is important that you note down the times and dates of incidents, and the time when you contacted the police.
You should also contact the Enforcement Officer /ASIST Officer dealing with your case, to keep them up to date with events.
How Do I Make A Complaint?
Tenants wishing to make a complaint about anti social behaviour should in the first instance contact their local housing office to complete a Neighbour Complaint form. The booklet "What to do if you have Neighbour problems " explains what the Council can do to assist you with your complaint.
Initially the Enforcement Officer for your area will investigate complaints, and if the complaint is deemed to be of a serious nature then there is a procedure whereby the case will referred on to ASIST.
If you wish advice or assistance on making a complaint please contact your local area housing office at the address below:
Clydebank Area Housing Office, Rosebery Place, Clydebank, G81, tel. No. 01389 737000
Alexandria Area Housing Office, 17 Mitchell Way, Alexandria, G83, tel. no 01389 608900
Dumbarton Area Housing Office 24-30 College Way Dumbarton, G82, tel. 01389 608999
To email our ASIST staff click below.
asist@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Please click below to view these leaflets:
Mediation Leaflet
Anti Social Behaviour Leaflet
Acceptable Behaviour Agreement Leaflet
