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Final Warnings are an alternative way to deal with young people who have offended. The police and Youth Offending Team (YOT) feel the young person could need help to stop further offending. This will also be an opportunity to inform the young person about offence related issues and make clear for him/her the consequences of further offending.

The Final Warning system replaces the old caution systems, and is part of the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act. Final Warnings are given to young people aged between the ages of 10 to 17; where their offence is deemed by the police to be appropriate for such an offence. The aim is to make young people take responsibility and stop offending.

What happens during a Final Warning session?

The session is to help you understand how you have affected the victims of your crime, your family, yourself and how you can put this right again. This might involve apologising to your victim(s), e.g. writing a letter or face-to-face meeting.

The person(s) that will give you the warning will also talk to you about how you can stop offending and how people you know, e.g. parents and friends can support you with this. They will also talk about how school is going and if you are having any problems in your life.

You and the worker can look at specific activities that you might find interesting and will help you to keep out of trouble. E.g. sports, recreation and counselling.

What happens if I choose not to turn up for the Final Warning?

The Youth Offending Police Officers will co-ordinate the young person's attendance at the programme sessions. The Youth Offending Team Police Officer will send you a letter with a new appointment. If you fail to meet up with the worker for a second time the police will record this. If you should then be arrested and end up in court on a later stage, the police will inform the court about you failing to turn up for the Final Warning. This could then affect the sentence you will be given.

Do I have to accept the Final Warning?

The Final Warning is only for people who admit that they have committed the offence. If you do not you will have to seek legal advice.

Who will give me the Final Warning?

The police and the Youth Offending Team handle the Final Warning system. The police will give you the Final Warning at the police station. This will then be followed up later by a visit from a Youth Offending Team Police Officer.

What happens if I commit an offence after I have been given a Final Warning?

If you commit any offence within 2 years after you have been given a Final Warning you will go to court.

Will I get a Criminal Record?

The Final Warning is an official caution. A record will be kept of your Final Warning for 5 years. This will help the police to determine any consequences if you commit any further offences.

If you stay out of trouble you will not get a criminal record, which you have to tell employers and others about. If you are asked if you have had an official caution you will have to say yes.

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