There are three different things that can happen after a young person has been arrested:
No Further Action
This happens if there is no evidence that a crime has been committed. This means that there is no proof that the young person has done something that is against the law.
The young person will not have to go back to the police station and will not have a criminal record.
A Pre-Court Outcome
The police have evidence that the young person has committed the offence and they have told the police that they did it. This is only for less serious offences. There are three Pre-Court Outcomes:
Triage Diversion
The young person may be able to do triage diversion if:
- they have committed a criminal offence for the first time
- they tell the police that they committed the offence
The young person will need to work with the Youth Offending Service.
The young person will not have a criminal record if they finish triage diversion.
If the young person does not meet with the Triage Team they will probably receive a Reprimand or Final Warning.
More information on Triage
Reprimand or Final Warning
The young person may get a Reprimand or Final Warning if:
- they have had one pre-court outcome in the past
- they don't finish Triage Diversion
This will be kept on the Police National Computer until the young person is 100 years old. It may show on some CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checks. The young person may need a CRB check when applying for some jobs or visiting some countries.
Charge and court appearance
Being charged means that the court will decide what happens. The young person will go to court if:
- the police have evidence that they have committed a more serious criminal offence. This means that the police can prove that they have done something against the law or
- they have not told the police that they committed a criminal offence but the police have evidence that they did or
- they have been in trouble with the police before
If the young person is charged this means:
- the young person must go to court
- the court will decide what happens
- they will get a criminal record if the court say that they have committed the offence