ACPO lead on cautions Chief Constable Chris Eyre said:

"This new legislation makes it simpler for police officers to issue out of court disposals and with the Ministry of Justice and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance, places a clearer framework around their use. Decision-making responsibility for conditional cautions in the majority of cases will shift from the CPS to custody sergeants. In the case of foreign national offenders, 'conditional cautions' could require their departure from the UK.

"New local scrutiny boards to monitor the use of out-of-court disposals will help ensure transparency and local accountability while freeing forces from central bureaucracy. They are also consistent with moves towards local ownership of justice and community safety, through the offices of Police and Crime Commissioners. This shift of responsibility will lead to greater and appropriate use of out-of-court disposals while ensuring the criminal justice system delivers timely and effective justice for victims and offenders."