‘PROPORTIONATE’

Dep Ch Const Sara Glen of the National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “Community resolutions help police handle low-level offending proportionately. They can involve making amends, apologising or completing education. Victims’ wishes are central to our decision-making and officers have established tools and guidance to help them to reach the right outcome. Our decisions are examined by force scrutiny panels.

“We anticipate that the number of community resolutions used for indictable offences will further decrease as our new national strategy on out of court disposals is implemented by forces. Community resolutions for these few cases must be authorised by an officer of a rank not lower than Inspector and we conduct thematic reviews to ensure compliance.

“Our national strategy makes clear community resolutions should not be used in the most serious cases. Officers are making decisions about whether it is fair and proportionate to give someone a criminal record for their first minor offence - when they’ve admitted responsibility, offered to remedy the crime, are considered unlikely to reoffend, and can be given a sanction that deters further offending.”

‘CONCERN’

Chris Henley QC, chairman of the Criminal Bar Association, said: “Community Resolution Orders, which require an admission of guilt, were specifically designed to deal with less serious offences, particularly involving young and/or first time offenders.

“What is clear from the figures is that contrary to their original purpose and the guidance given to the police, CROs are being used to deal with more and more serious offences. This shouldn’t be happening.

“These cases should be resolved formally in a courtroom. It is incredible that someone who admits committing an offence of rape receives what amounts to little more than a warning.

“It is unsurprising that offenders arrested for serious crime leap at the offer of an informal CRO.

“Sadly, this is all about a lack of resources. The police and CPS are struggling to cope with the consequences of years of savage cuts.

“The number of CROs issued in serious cases has increased significantly as funding has fallen dramatically. This lets down both the current and future victims of serious crime.”