HC Deb 18 February 1986 vol 92 cc123-4W
Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what communications he has received from the Association of Chief Police Officers on the way in which cautioning schemes are developing; and what views it has expressed.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The views of the Association of Chief Police Officers were taken into account in preparing Home Office circular 14/1985, which contained guidance to chief officers on cautioning policy and practice. Copies are in the Library. The operation of cautioning schemes is a matter for individual chief officers. We are aware that police forces have in general implemented the circular or have been reviewing their cautioning policies and methods in the light of the circular but we have not received communications from the association specially about the way in which schemes are developing. We shall, however, be monitoring the effect of the circular on cautioning rates.