Jack Dromey MP, Shadow Policing Minister, responding to today’s report from the Home Affairs Select Committee, said:

“There is clear merit in the use of Out-of-Court Disposals however, it is unacceptable that they should be used in order to dispose of more serious crimes, such as violent and sexual attacks or in the case of serial offenders. It is a dangerous precedent to by-pass the courts in the interest of time and cost savings.

“It is incredibly disturbing that there is incorrect administration of OOCDs in up to 30 per cent of cases. There needs to be much stronger oversight of their administration and police forces must ensure that their officers are aware exactly when and how they should be used.”