Information about reprimands and final warnings in youth offence cases.
A Reprimand is a formal verbal warning given by a police officer to a young person who admits their guilt. It can only be given for a minor first offence.
A Final Warning is also a formal verbal warning given by a police officer to a young person who admits their guilt, for a first or second (minor) offence. Unlike a Reprimand however, the police will first bail the young person so that the YOS can carry out an assessment on them. This is normally carried out in their home, and includes contact with their family and school. If the YOS then feel it is appropriate, a short programme may be offered to the young person, which could involve taking part in activities to reduce their risk of re-offending.