What are Out of Court Resolutions?

Out of Court Resolutions are used by the police to deal with low-level crime and anti-social behaviour instead of taking an offender to court. They are a way to resolve an investigation where the offender is known and has admitted to the offence. The victim is always consulted before deciding whether to proceed with an Out of Court Resolution. By focusing on restorative justice and the impact of the crime, the aim of Out of Court Resolution is to deliver justice for victims and prevent reoffending.

Find out more about Out of Court resolutions and how to seek one if you are a victim.

How is the use of Out of Court Resolutions scrutinised?

It's the Commissioner's role to ensure that victims of crime in Cheshire are supported. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) leads the process of scrutinising how effectively Out of Court Resolutions are used to deliver justice for victims.

There are four Out of Court Resolutions Scrutiny Panels, which meet to review cases where an Out of Court Resolutions has been used and whether it was appropriate in the circumstances.

Three of these Panels cover North, East and West Cheshire Policing Areas, and there is also a Youth Panel.

Each Panel meeting is attended by representatives from the OPCC, Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Magistrates, Restorative Justice, Independent Advisory Group, and Youth Justice Service (where appropriate). See the terms of reference for more information about the Panels and their remit.

The table below contains information and outcomes for each period where all four Panels have met to consider Out of Court Disposals in their area.