Police officers have been issuing cautions in cases of serious violence despite guidance telling them not to, a series of Freedom of Information requests have revealed.
BBC News report:
More than 10,000 serious violent crimes were dealt with informally last year, despite guidelines to the contrary.
Police used “community resolutions”, which can include an apology or compensation to the victim, instead of prosecutions and cautions.
The Association of Chief Police Officers says resolutions should only be used for low-level crime.