Youth offending - police decisions

Youth offending - police decisions

Reprimands and final warnings

What is a reprimand?
A reprimand is a formal verbal warning given by a police officer to a young person who admits they are guilty of a minor first offence. Sometimes the young person can be referred to the Youth Offending Service to take part in a voluntary programme to help them address their offending behaviour.

What is a final warning?
A final warning is a formal verbal warning given by a police officer to a young person who admits their guilt for a first or second offence. Unlike a Reprimand, however, the young person is also assessed to determine the causes of their offending behaviour and a programme of activities is provided to address them.

Youth rehabilitation order

From 30th November 2009 a new sentencing structure will be introduced in the youth court. From then the youth rehabilitation order will replace all community penalties.