Viewpoint: the court isn’t always the better option

The Magistrates’ Association’s new position statement on Out-of-Court Resolutions lands with a now-familiar framing: a “shadow justice system” operating without oversight, eroding open justice, expanding into territory where the bench should sit. It’s a powerful phrase. It’s also the wrong starting point. If we’re serious about reducing reoffending, supporting victims,… Jonathan Hussey, managing director of Red Snapper Managed Services, responds to recent criticism of Out of Court Resolutions operated by police forces....

Warning of 'shadow justice system' as Out of Court Resolutions expand 'without oversight'  

OOCRs – used by police forces and intended for low-level, first-time offending – were highlighted by Sir Brian Leveson in his Independent Review of the Criminal Courts as a valuable tool for reducing the courts’ backlog, removing the need for many less serious cases to go to court. Crime statistics… The Magistrates’ Association is calling for urgent national reform of Out of Court Resolutions (OOCRs), warning that their inconsistent administration, and use in cases such as assault of an emergency worker, domestic abuse and even knife crime, is creating a “parallel justice system” that risks undermining transparency, judicial independence and public confidence. ...

A national approach to OoCRs: The quiet reform that could save the justice system

It is not the glamorous end of policing, not the investigations that dominate headlines or define careers. Yet the absence of a coordinated national approach to low-level offending is placing enormous strain on the criminal justice system. Out of Court Resolutions (OoCRs) are intended to allow police to deal with… Jonathan Ley from Make Time Count argues for a more co-ordinated and effective use of Out of Court Resolutions among police forces....

'There's an appetite for self-employment education - but fear from prison staff to promote it'

“I think there are so many different barriers,” Mr Gullick shares as he considers the challenges facing people who want to find work as they move back into civilian life after a spell behind bars. But one route that is not always championed is self-employment. It’s what Mr Gullick and… Here, Andy Gullick, the CEO and founder of RIFT Social Enterprise and former Prison Governor, tells Reflective Practice about how self-employment should be a route out of disadvantage throughout the UK, including for people with convictions leaving prison....

Reflections and Interventions: A Practitioner’s Perspective on the Manosphere.

The Manosphere documentary by Louis Theroux is both shocking and enlightening, exposing the scale of misogyny and online influence that I had not fully appreciated before. Louis introduces us to men, all influencers, who make money exploiting and humiliating women. They also spread hatred, misogyny, and conspiracy theories. All of… By Aimee Howard (nee Hallas). ...

Domestic abuse victims to get better court support in £5m funding boost

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said the Crown Prosecution Service would get the sum over two years to help victims who have gone to the police about domestic abuse. It’s understood the Government wants to target the funding at “the most serious” domestic abuse. Domestic abuse charity Refuge welcomed the announcement,… The Government has said domestic abuse victims will be able to get better support as their cases pass through the courts, as it announced £5 million more in funding....

Red Snapper Managed Services announce partnership with Make Time Count

The collaboration will see the full integration of Red Snapper’s Intervention Hub into the Make Time Count case management system, creating a single, connected workflow for police forces, out-of-court resolution teams, probation services and local authorities. Make Time Count’s case management platform consolidates eligibility screening assessments and referrals. communication and… With police forces continuing to balance rising demand, budget pressure, and the need to improve outcomes, Red Snapper Managed Services and Make Time Count have announced a new partnership aimed at simplifying how interventions are delivered and monitored....

Violence Against Women and Girls: From Reactive Policing to Sustainable Prevention

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) remains one of the most complex and high-risk challenges facing UK policing. Domestic abuse, stalking, sexual violence, harassment, and coercive control generate significant demand, carry profound safeguarding risks, and attract intense public and political scrutiny. Despite sustained investment in enforcement and victim support, repeat… By Jonathan Hussey...

Rape victims to get free legal advice throughout criminal justice process

The new Independent Legal Advisor service will provide guidance outside of court, including on how to challenge a “no further action” decision by the CPS. The MoJ also announced that Operation Soteria – a programme rolled out across police forces to improve how sexual offences are investigated – will be… Lawyers will be available to help victims understand their rights and challenge unnecessary requests for personal information, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said....

Frontline Criminal Justice Experience to Shape New Six-Part Webinar Series

The six-part webinar programme will focus on the realities of frontline work, from burnout and grief to behaviour change and case formulation. Titled ‘Lessons from the Frontline: Working with Offending Behaviour’, the series has been designed as a practical development offer for professionals working across probation, community justice and offender… The community site for the criminal justice interventions and rehabilitation community; Reflective Practice, has launched a new free-to-attend webinar series for its members....