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Police told to give fewer cautions | Police told to give fewer cautions |
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Chris Grayling will investigate the use of cautions against people who commit serious crimes, including sexual offences, | A review into cautions given by police will be launched by the justice secretary to ensure more suspects are brought before a court, it has been reported. Chris Grayling will investigate the use of cautions against people who commit serious crimes, including sexual offences, according to the Sun. |
The Tory MP said the number of cautions being handed out by officers had "spiralled out of control" and varied between different forces. He told the Sun: "I am worried about some recent cases where cautions have been given to criminals who have committed multiple crimes. | |
"The number of cautions given for sexual offences is going in the right direction – down – but we need this review to make sure they are only given where truly appropriate." | "The number of cautions given for sexual offences is going in the right direction – down – but we need this review to make sure they are only given where truly appropriate." |
He added that although officers should use their discretion, the public and victims "have a right to expect people who commit serious crimes to be brought before a court". | He added that although officers should use their discretion, the public and victims "have a right to expect people who commit serious crimes to be brought before a court". |
Police handed out 205,700 cautions in the 12 months ending in September 2012, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Justice. | Police handed out 205,700 cautions in the 12 months ending in September 2012, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Justice. |
It represented a 12% decrease compared with the previous 12 months and a 44% fall from the 12 months to September 2007, when the use of cautions peaked at 367,300. |