NORTHUMBRIA Police has defended its use of out-of-court disposal orders between 2014 and 2018.

After it was revealed the force used a total number of 11,259 Community Resolutions (CR) during that time period, its head of prosecution and victims services, Supt. Dave Willett, has issued a statement outlining the positive benefits of such orders.

CRs were designed to deal with low-level offences and anti-social behaviour, but figures revealed by the BBC Shared Data Unit showed forces across the country have used them for serious crimes, such as violence, robbery and sex offences.

Supt. Willett said: "CRs are still used by officers for a range of offences and can be a positive solution.

“They are one of number of additional options available to us for out-of-court disposals, such as alcohol or drug rehabilitation courses.

“CRs are only used for low-level offences and when the victim supports its use. They would not be used when victims are vulnerable, or if the crime has been committed by a repeat offender.

“If a CR is the best form of disposal for both sides then it can be a positive outcome for all involved."

He continued: "CRs could still be used to deal with some violent incidents, for example, when two friends have been involved in an altercation and an assault has taken place. In this instance, the victim may not want a criminal prosecution and so a community resolution can be a positive solution.

“The use of CRs for offences of sexual activity with a child is also very rare but may be used when those involved are both children and a criminal prosecution would not be in the public interest.

“Any use of CRs in these circumstances would be with the full support of both the victim and the offender where there were no existing concerns around safeguarding.”