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This study contributes to the evidence base of police deferred prosecution schemes aimed at reducing reoffending. Durham Constabulary, UK, introduced Checkpoint, an adult deferred prosecution scheme which targets offenders entering the Criminal Justice System by providing an alternative to a criminal prosecution. Applying theories of deterrence and desistance, this paper describes the randomised control trial findings of 521 offenders randomised between 1 August 2016 and 31 March 2018. The results indicate that the Checkpoint treatment cohort achieved a lower reoffending rate in comparison to the control cohort, on the basis of prevalence (10.3% reduction) and risk of reoffending (30% reduction). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops an evidence base for the use of deferred prosecution schemes within a police setting. Checkpoint is a voluntary adult offender deferred prosecution scheme operating in Durham Constabulary, UK. Checkpoint targets low-level offenders entering the Criminal Justice System by providing an alternative to a criminal prosecution. It offers a tailored, 4-month programme agreed through a contract. The scheme targets the reasons why offenders commit crime by assessing their individual needs in order to provide interventions. Applying theories of deterrence and desistance, we describe the process of the Checkpoint intervention and the implementation findings of the 519 offenders in the programme. The results indicate that the Checkpoint Implementation phase cohort achieved a lower re-arrest and reoffending rate in comparison to a typical Durham Out Of Court Disposal sample, at reduced harm and cost. The initial conclusions presented here establish the foundations for further research in this policy area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents the preliminary findings of a pilot study to reduce thefts from cars committed against insecure vehicles, using the behavioural insights or ‘nudge approach’. The recipients of the ‘nudges’ were potential victims of theft from insecure vehicles living in high rate areas for this crime, where a bespoke leaflet campaign was developed to nudge vehicle owners into thinking more carefully when leaving their vehicles unattended, particularly when left on their driveways overnight. Although somewhat tentative at this stage, the preliminary findings indicate that the percentage of thefts committed against insecure vehicles in the two treatment areas was reduced significantly when compared with the two control group areas where no nudge interventions were introduced. This demonstrates that if appropriate nudges (grounded in psychological theory) are coupled with and delivered by appropriate messengers, the prosocial behavioural change can be encouraged which can lead to a reduction in criminal behaviour and opportunities for crime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Those bereaved by suicide are at increased risk of psychological harm, which can be reduced with the provision of timely support. This paper outlines an evaluation of a pilot police-led suicide strategy, in comparison to a coroner-led suicide strategy looking at the number, and length of time it takes for deaths to be recorded for each strategy. Additionally, the police-led strategy offers timely contact from support services for bereaved individuals. We examined what impact this offer of support had on the capacity of support services., Methods: A mixed methods evaluation compared how long it took for suspected suicides to be recorded using both strategies. The number of referrals received by support services during the pilot strategy were compared with those from previous years. A feedback focus group, and interviews, were held with key stakeholders., Results: The coroner strategy was more consistent at identifying suspected suicides; however, reports were filed quicker by the police. Bereaved individuals were willing to share contact details with police officers and consent for referral to support services which lead to increased referrals. The focus group and interviews revealed that the pilot police strategy needs better integration into routine police practice., Conclusions: This strategy has the potential to deliver a real benefit to those bereaved by suicide; however, there are still aspects which could be improved., (© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)