diversion policies Flashcards
what theories does this policy come from
sociological theories (labelling theory)
what does it aim to do
divert them away from the CJS and avoid labelling
what are the only offences this policy applies for
minor offences
is it a court sanction or non court sanction and who is it given out by
non court sanction, given by police
what type of caution is it
conditional caution (no criminal record)
what is an example of a diversion policy
avon and sommerset constabulary operate a pre arrest street diversion programmes:
- if caught in possession of illegal drug
- given caution
- must comply with ‘drug educational programme’
how can it be linked to labelling theory
lemert: if we are labelled, this is a form of secondary deviance
- interalise label, becomes master status
- leads to a self fufing prophecy
- diversion policy’s means that criminals wont be labelled and get a criminal record - diverts away from a life of crime
what are the three main out of court disposals
- conditional cautions - no criminal record as long as comply with conditions, give out by police
- cautions - (warning) no condition attached
- penalty notice: no criminal record as long as fine is paid
STRENGTH: what are the apropriate for dealing with
minor offences ( anti social behaviour, minor drug use etc)
STRENGTH: who favours them
those who favor rehabilitation of offenders then retribution
STRENGTH: what may attending a drug education programme deal with
root causes of offenders with will help divert them and prevent reoffending
WEAKNESS: why wouldnt it be useful for serious offences
- not getting justice
- not all offenders can be rehabilitated some need to be punished
- may be risk to public
- courts may need to apply a kore serious sanction
