Policing.uk
Out of court disposal
- General
A means of resolving a criminal matter without a formal prosecution in court. Options include community resolutions, conditional cautions, simple cautions, fixed penalty notices, and penalty notices for disorder. Out of court disposals are intended for lower-level offending where a formal prosecution is not in the public interest.
In practice
The appropriate disposal depends on the nature of the offence, the suspect's history, and the victim's wishes. Some disposals require the suspect's admission of guilt. Failure to comply with conditions attached to a disposal may result in a prosecution. The Crown Prosecution Service has published guidance on the appropriate use of each type of disposal.
Last updated 24 September 2026