Guidelines on the Cautioning and Charging of Knife Crime Offences – National Police Chiefs’ Council and Crown Prosecution Service (2022)
Summary:
The College of Policing have published updated guidance on cautioning and charging of knife crime offences, which should be used to shape police response and Crown Prosecution Service decision making in offences related to knife crime, including those committed by children.
Description:
The College of Policing have published guidelines on the cautioning and charging of knife crime offences (2022), which should be used by Police Forces in England, Wales & Northern Ireland, and Prosecutors. These guidelines should be used by chief officers to shape police responses to ensure that the general public (including those under 18) experience consistent levels of service and by the Crown Prosecution Service to inform decision making.
Please note that the guidance, replaces the ‘Guidelines on the Investigation, Cautioning and Charging of Knife Crime Offences (2015)’.
The above guidance should be read in conjunction with the following:
- Knife Crime Practical Guidance (2020) – which covers investigative considerations in detail
- Offensive Weapons, Knives, Bladed and Pointed Articles Guidance (updated in 2022)
- Crown Prosecution Service Guidance on Youth Offenders (2020)
Youth justice services should familiarise themselves with the updated guidance to support effective partnership work.
September 2022: Please note that the National Police Chiefs’ Council are leading a review of the Gravity Matrix (2013) and Outcome 22 Guidance (2019) alongside key stakeholders. It is anticipated they will provide further information regarding the use of deferred prosecutions/cautions