Stockton concern over humiliating offender hi vis vests
0A "humiliating" initiative that requires vandals to wear hi-vis vests while repairing the damage they caused in public spaces is raising concerns among councillors in Stockton. The "immediate justice" project, being trialed in Teesside, aims to make offenders quickly make amends within 48 hours of referral. However, some council members and community representatives argue that the hi-vis vests may stigmatize and shame individuals, opposing the rehabilitative approach. The pilot, part of a £1 million-funded Home Office scheme, will also test hotspot patrols to tackle anti-social behavior. The scheme is open to ideas from communities to link the actions to the original offense, but questions remain about enforcement for those who refuse to participate.