Crime Reduction - Helping to Reduce Crime in Your Area

The final warning scheme was introduced by the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 and was designed to:

• end repeat cautioning and provide a progressive and meaningful response to offending behaviour

• ensure appropriate and effective action to help prevent re-offending

• ensure that juveniles who do re-offend after a warning are dealt with quickly and effectively through the courts.

This guidance gives details on the amendments to the final warning scheme which is intended to facilitate a restorative justice approach to the delivery of reprimands and final warnings.

At the time of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, the restorative delivery of reprimands and final warnings had not been introduced, and it was considered appropriate for reprimands and final warnings to be delivered only in police stations. The purpose of the amendment to the 2000 Act, is to remove this requirement so as to provide flexibility in the restorative process.

The venues for the delivery of reprimands and final warnings should be suitable, easily accessible and secure.  It would not be appropriate for reprimands or final warnings to be delivered on the street or in a person’s home. They must be delivered by a police officer, although they may be a police member of a youth offending team. A representative from the youth offending team should normally be present at the delivery of a reprimand or final warning, as the YOT will be responsible for any follow up intervention programme.

Final Warning Scheme -Further Guidance for the Police and Youth Offending Teams  (PDF File size 48 Kb)