An evaluation of the impact of restorative cautioning: findings from a reconviction study

Abstract

In contrast to traditional cautions, restorative cautioning aims to encourage the offender to take responsibility for repairing the harm caused by their offence. A restorative caution is a meeting facilitated by a trained police off i c e r, based around a stru c t u red dialogue about the off e n c e and its implications (with active involvement from the offender and the victim, if present). The re s e a rch examined whether restorative cautioning had an impact on resanctioning rates. This was explored by examining the policy of restorative cautioning (by comparing all cautions in Thames Valley with traditional cautions in Sussex and Wa rw i c k s h i re) and the practice of restorative cautioning (by comparing restorative conferences, restorative cautions and traditional cautions within Thames Valley). The term resanctioning is used, as this includes cautions, final warnings and reprimands, as well as convictions