Out of court disposal scrutiny panel

An out of court disposal (OOCD) is a method of resolving an investigation when the offender is known and the offender admits the offence.

When can an out of court disposal be used?

An OOCD can only be used in specific circumstances and enables the police to deal quickly and proportionately with low-level, offending which could more appropriately be resolved without a prosecution at court.

What is the purpose of the scrutiny panel?

The intention of the scrutiny panel is to provide transparency and accountability and an increase in public understanding, confidence and trust in how Northumbria Police use out of court disposals with particular focus on the delivery of appropriate and proportionate justice and ensuring redress for victims of crime as well as addressing the root causes of offending behaviour.

The scrutiny panel has no referral or appeals capability and is not intended to re-judge cases. It will assess the relevant processes, interactions and decisions to identify any continuous organisational learning.

Overview of the meeting

Who attends the scrutiny panel? 

Deputy Chair North Northumbria Magistrates (Chair)

Chief of Staff, Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner

Policy and Research Officer, Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner

Coordinator, Victims First Northumbria

Legal Manager, North Northumbria Magistrates Advocacy Team

North Northumbria Magistrates

Chair, South Northumbria Magistrates

South Northumbria Magistrates

District Crown Prosecutor, CPS

Prosecution and Victims Services, Chief Inspector, Northumbria Police

Criminal Justice, Northumbria Police

Force Crime Registrar, Northumbria Police

Director, Northumbria Community Rehabilitation Company

Northumberland YOT

Head of Service, Sunderland Youth Offending Service

South Tyneside Youth Justice Service

Team Manager, Gateshead Youth Offending Team

Deputy Justices’ Clerk, HMCTS

Executive Support, Northumbria Police (Police Minute Taker)

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