Out of Court Resolutions: Performance and Impact on Re-offending and Rehabilitation

Decision of PCC: Assured

Meeting date: 19 May 2026

Notes – Scrutiny Meeting – 19 May 2026 (application, 211kB)

Decision of PCC: Assured

Reason for the Decision

The PCC was assured by evidence submitted by the Force and commended the substantial work undertaken to deliver an increase in OoCR rates.

He noted that performance is demonstrating a positive direction of travel, supported by a sustained focus on ethical, appropriate and proportionate use.

The PCC will re-visit this topic next year to ensure that progress is maintained and the positive trajectory continues.

Rationale:

In light of the PCC’s decision at the Scrutiny Meeting on 24 September 2025 to continue monitoring OoCR developments closely and request a further performance update, and in line with the PCC’s commitment to improving the use of OoCRs, the PCC was looking to:

• Hold the Chief Constable to account for the Force’s performance in delivering effective and appropriate OoCRs.
• Provide public reassurance that OoCR decisions are ethical, victim‑centred, and of sufficient quality to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.
• Gain assurance that improvements are sustainable, risks are being actively managed, and the Force has a clear and credible plan for strengthening OoCR practice going forward.

Questions:

Performance and Quality of OoCRs

1. What do the latest performance data and organisational insights show about changes in OoCR performance since September 2025, including the key factors behind these trends, which teams or districts are driving improvements, and what learning can be shared across the Force?
2. What evidence can the Force provide to demonstrate how changes in OoCR performance are affecting rehabilitation outcomes and reoffending rates?
3. What evidence assures the PCC that recent changes in the use of OoCRs since September 2025 are appropriate, ethical, victim‑centred, and linked to improved rehabilitation and reduced reoffending?
4. What do dip‑sampling or audit findings show about decision‑making quality, victim engagement, and intervention suitability?

Victim Experience

5. What evidence shows how victims currently feel supported and informed about the use of OoCRs, including any changes since September 2025?
6. What activity does the Force undertake to promote victim support and strengthen victim confidence in the use of OoCRs?

Risks

7. What process or framework governs the repeated use of OoCRs and what safeguards prevent repeated use when earlier OoCRs have not reduced reoffending or achieved the intended rehabilitative impact?
8. What risks could affect the sustainability of recent improvements, including cultural or operational barriers to effective rehabilitation and reduced reoffending, and how are these risks being identified and mitigated?

Future Direction

9. What are the next steps to strengthen OoCR practice, particularly in improving rehabilitation outcomes and reducing reoffending, and what milestones or indicators should the PCC expect over the next six months?