NFA

Custody

No Further Action. A decision to take no criminal proceedings against a suspect, either because there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction or because it is not in the public interest to prosecute. An NFA decision closes the investigation against the individual but does not prevent the matter being re-opened if new evidence emerges.

In practice

NFA is the most common disposal outcome in policing. It may be decided by the investigating officer, a supervisor, or the Crown Prosecution Service. Victims should be informed of an NFA decision and the reasons for it. The record of the matter remains on police systems and may be considered in later risk assessments.

Related terms

Charge
Out of court disposal
Recorded crime

Last updated 24 September 2026