NCJ Number
123690
Journal
Policing Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1990) Pages: 383-398
Date Published
1990
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The Avon and Somerset (UK) study into adult cautioning, carried out between 1985 and 1989, resulted in the development of new Home Office guidelines based on data regarding where offenders live, where they commit their crimes, and offender characteristics.
Abstract
The Avon County Council survey identified 33 indicators which predominated in areas of high social stress and listed county workplace zones in descending order of relative social stress. After organizing the social stress file and the crime data on the basis of wards and parishes, researchers then calculated the number of offenders per thousand population in each area. Further analyses computed the average distance traveled by offenders to commit a crime, classified the social class characteristics of offenders and studied the relationship between offender profile of an area and previous prosecution decisions. Now guidelines were developed to prevent underlying social stress factors from being considered during prosecution decisions. They dictate that prior convictions should not be considered when deciding to charge or summons an offender; that the seriousness of the crime will determine that decision; that the views of the victim should be considered; that there should remain a presumption in favor of a caution for juveniles and young adults; that a persistent petty offender proviso should be considered; and that previous convictions and cautions will be made available to the court when prosecution is appropriate. The new guidelines have had the advantage of saving police manpower in cautioning cases and improving morale and job satisfaction among police constables who have been able to finalize their cases. Although it is too early to measure the degree of recidivism after cautioning, the guidelines have not affected crime trends or the detection rate. The guidelines have made the police the initiator of criminal processes which should assist in interagency cooperation. The judiciary has yet to be drawn into the full process described by the guidelines; support of the courts is essential to success of the program. The guidelines do not conflict with the Attorney General's guidelines on criteria for prosecution, but will change the relationship between the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. 8 tables. (Publisher abstract modified)