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<p>Out of Court Disposals (OOCDs) are measures which allow police to deal quickly
and proportionately with low-level offending without recourse to the courts. Simple
and Conditional Cautions exist currently for adult offenders.</p><p> </p><p>Ministry
of Justice published guidance on Simple Cautions for Adult Offenders, which can be
found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/simple-cautions-guidance-for-police-and-prosecutors</p><p>
</p><p>Section 3 of the guidance states police officers must ensure the offender understands
the implications of accepting a simple caution, and consents to receiving the disposal
before it can be administered. The implications which must be explained are set out
in paragraphs 62-76 of the guidance. This includes the significance of the admission
of guilt and the retention and disclosure of criminal record information for future
legal proceedings or criminal record checks. Guidance also states police officers
should ensure offenders are given the opportunity to receive free and independent
legal advice before accepting a simple caution.</p><p> </p><p>Similar points are made
in the Ministry of Justice Guidance for Conditional Cautions for Adult Offenders (also
in Section 3 of the guidance) which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-adult-conditional-cautions</p><p>
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