A review aimed at stopping serious and repeat offenders from escaping with a caution has been launched. The review will examine the way in which ‘simple’ cautions are currently used and will consider the need for any changes.
A review aimed at stopping serious and repeat offenders from escaping with a caution has been launched. The review will examine the way in which ‘simple’ cautions are currently used and will consider the need for any changes.
A review aimed at stopping serious and repeat offenders from escaping with a caution has been launched. The review will examine the way in which ‘simple’ cautions are currently used and will consider the need for any changes.
A review aimed at stopping serious and repeat offenders from escaping with a caution has been launched. The review will examine the way in which ‘simple’ cautions are currently used and will consider the need for any changes. The review will work closely with the police and other criminal justice professionals.
A simple caution is an out of court disposal given by the police to adult criminals when specified criteria are met. The Home Office Circular 16/2008 for Simple Cautioning requires that the following conditions are met before a simple caution may be administered by the police:
The review will scrutinize:
There has been recent criticism of repeat offenders receiving multiple cautions and some individuals receiving cautions for offences deemed too serious for a caution.
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said:
“While we should not remove police officer discretion, the public and victims have a right to expect that people who commit serious crimes should be brought before a court. This review is a significant step to ensuring that cautions are used correctly and in the interests of justice.”
The review will report to criminal justice ministers by the end of May 2013. It remains to be seen what effect this review will have.