NCJ Number
205495
Date Published
2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study examined a pilot program in England and Wales that issues penalty notices, or “on the spot fines,” to reduce the workloads of both the police and the courts.
Abstract
Dealing with low-level offences, such as causing harassment, alarm, or distress and drunk and disorderly behavior, takes up a lot of police time. In 2001 in England and Wales, there were 29,744 prosecutions for disorderly behavior while drunk, and 23,203 prosecutions for causing harassment, alarm, or distress. These prosecutions use a disproportionate amount of police resources and can delay the progress of more serious offenses. The Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 included provisions for the issuance of penalty notices, or “on the spot fines,” for disorderly behavior. Two different fines are issued, 80 pounds or 40 pounds, based on the offense. Since August 2002, these notices have been used for 11 disorder offenses, for those aged 18 and over, in 4 police force areas. An evaluation after the first 8 months of this program found that between August 2002 and March 28, 2003, 3,040 penalty notices for disorder (PND’s) were issued, predominantly for 2 offenses: 1,487 for causing harassment, alarm, and distress; and 1,260 for disorderly behavior while drunk. Fifty-three percent of the PND’s issued by the end of January 2003 were paid with the required period of 21 days. Payment rates were lower for offenses which had the higher fines and in metropolitan areas. In addition, 82 percent of the police officers in the pilot areas who responded to a survey were either very or fairly satisfied with the program. Many of the officers said that the program should be extended to juveniles and other offenses. Concern was raised by the officers that repeat PND’s were being issued to the same offenders. A full evaluation of the pilot program is being carried out based on a full 12-month period. 3 references