The police know that there are many different reasons why young people get involved in crime, and they work in partnership with a number of people and agencies to help those who do.

The PSNI have what’s called a Youth Diversion Scheme (YDS). This has been designed specifically for young people under 18 who come into contact with the law.

One of the aims of YDS is to discourage young people from getting involved with crime in the first place. So YDS starts working before any real crimes have been committed. This means YDS officers will monitor non-offence and nuisance behaviour, and take action to make sure it doesn’t go any further. YDS officers are aware that young people are often victims of crime so they are trained to offer advice and check situations where they fear someone is at risk.

If you come into contact with the police for any reason other than if they suspect you have committed an offence, they may ask for your name and address. You may not be obliged to provide these details but it may be helpful to do so. This information is kept at your local police station for 12 months, after which time it will be destroyed unless you come into contact with the police again.

If you are suspected of committing a serious offence the normal rules for investigation must apply. The investigating officer has to gather evidence of the offence, including statements of complaint from any witnesses and your fingerprints will also be taken.

What happens next?

If you commit a crime the police have three options, depending on a number of different factors such as the seriousness of the offence, the consent of you and your guardians and whether or not you admit to your involvement.

1. You can receive an Informed Warning –

• This is for offences that are considered less serious because of the circumstances.
• An Informed Warning is given by a trained police officer in the presence of your parent(s)/guardian(s).
• Informed Warnings are recorded on a Criminal Record for 12 months, unless you offend again.

2. You can receive a Restorative Caution –

• This is for more serious offences.
• It is delivered through a special Restorative Conferencing process, by a trained facilitator who can be a police officer, a representative from a partner agency or a community representative.
• The aim of a Restorative Caution is for the offender to meet their actual victim and see at first hand the consequences of their actions on others.
• Your parent/guardian will also be in attendance.
• A Restorative Caution is recorded on a Criminal Record for 2.5 years before being removed, unless you offend again.

Neither of the above options are actual convictions and mean you do not have to go to court.

3. You can be referred for Prosecution by the youth court –

• This is for offences which are considered very serious and/or where the young person denies the offence or has two or more current recorded ‘disposals’ within the system.