Community resolution

A type of out-of-court disposal used to deal with low-level offences or antisocial behaviour through an informal agreement between the parties involved. It is an alternative to cases being progressed through the traditional criminal justice process.

It can be offered when the offender admits the offence and usually when the victim has agreed that they don’t want formal criminal action to be taken.

It may provide, for example, an apology to the victim or to the offender to help repair the damage caused. It isn’t provided for by specific legislation, but relies on the common law ability of police officers to informally deal with reported crime.

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