NCJ Number
214195
Date Published
February 2006
Length
54 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings of an analysis of national and local trends in British police use of the penalty notice for disorder (PND), which is authorized under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 as a means of providing police with a quick and effective means of dealing with low level, nuisance behaviors.
Abstract
One finding was that the performance culture of a police force contributed significantly to its application and use of PNDs. Policies ranged from being flexible and pragmatic to a strict, inflexible application. There was consensus among the forces that the use of PNDs has given them an opportunity to deal with low-level offending in more appropriate ways. There was a lack of consistency among the forces in their evidence requirements for issuing and processing a PND. Further, findings show that the use of PNDs can be increased for forces that do not issue PNDs to 16 and 17 year-olds or to adults for offenses of theft and criminal damage. Among its recommendations, the report suggests a national standard operating procedure for PND evidence requirements, processing, and minimum standards of investigation. Data on the use of PNDs nationwide show variation in their use according to the offenses addressed in a locality. There is evidence of a switch from cautions and prosecutions to the use of PNDs. PNDs represent 4 percent of the cases resolved by police. Fieldwork focused on how 10 police forces used PNDs. Procedures for PND administration differed among forces. Some required an arrest and custody for relevant offenses, during which a PND was issued for both adults and 16- to 17 year-olds. Other forces issued PNDs on the street, with limited use for younger age groups. Extensive tables and figures and appended relevant legislation