Out of Court Disposals (OOCDs) are used by police in England and Wales as an alternative to prosecution. A new legislative framework introduced in 2021/2022 consolidated the disposals into two primary options: Diversionary Caution and Community Caution.
Importantly, OOCDs with conditions attached can be used by police to address any criminogenic needs vulnerable offenders may have, such as mental health issues or substance abuse problems, which may play a role in their offending behaviour.
A comprehensive picture of the current use of different disposals was needed to assess what changes are required to ensure that forces are ready to comply with this new legislation when it comes into force.