Reprimand (UK law)

A reprimand is a police prosecution within the United Kingdom that is given to people 17 years and under who break the law and get arrested for the first time. It is an opportunity to get the offender to think about what they have done and to realize the consequences of their actions. A reprimand is not a criminal conviction, but the reprimand is noted on police computer records. However, if the offender is charged with a criminal offence during the time that the Reprimand is held on record the Reprimand might be referred to at court during evidence in the criminal trial and will be referred to when the court decides what punishment should be given to the offender. It can be referred to just like a conviction could be referred to. A reprimand is issued either until the offender is 18 or for 5 years, whichever is a longer period of time.

The Youth Offending Team are informed immediately after a reprimand is given. Sometimes the Youth Offending Team will ask the offender to work with them to help further conflicts with the law from happening again. If the offender commits another crime and is arrested during the period the Reprimand is held for the offender is either treated with full seriousness, or is given a Final Warning, which is essentially a second police caution. Any further arrests will result in the police taking a more serious stance on the offenders arrest.