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
\nresponsibility for repairing the harm caused by their offence. A restorative caution is a meeting
\nfacilitated 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
\nand its implications (with active involvement from the offender and the victim, if present). The
\nre s e a rch examined whether restorative cautioning had an impact on resanctioning rates. This
\nwas explored by examining the policy of restorative cautioning (by comparing all cautions in
\nThames Valley with traditional cautions in Sussex and Wa rw i c k s h i re) and the practice of
\nrestorative cautioning (by comparing restorative conferences, restorative cautions and
\ntraditional cautions within Thames Valley). The term resanctioning is used, as this includes
\ncautions, final warnings and reprimands, as well as convictions.