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<p>A criminal record for the offence of sending an indecent image will only result
where the offender, child or adult, is charged to court (and found guilty) or cautioned
by the police. Where the police resolve such cases by other means no criminal record
is established.</p><p>The Government is clear that where a crime has been committed
it should be recorded as such. This is critical to understand the extent of this issue,
to identify any pattern of repeat or high-risk behaviour, and providing transparency
and accountability.</p><p>However, the police have wide discretion as to how to address
such behaviour. Working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Department
for Education new guidance has been issued to police and schools in relation to children
sending indecent images and which has a focus on safeguarding. We have introduced
a new outcome for police to apply in cases where they consider it appropriate to undertake
no criminal investigation and which will highlight that any subsequent disclosure
should only be in the most exceptional cases.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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