When issuing an RPW, is it necessary for the police officer to caution and charge the individual?

When issuing a Recorded Police Warning (RPW), it is not necessary for the police officer to caution and charge the individual. An RPW is a formal warning issued for lower-level offenses, serving as a means of addressing minor criminal behavior without proceeding to formal charges or court appearances. The intention behind an RPW is to provide an opportunity for the individual to rehabilitate without the stigma and consequences of being recorded with a criminal conviction.

This approach aligns with the principles of restorative justice, which aim to prevent recidivism by encouraging accountability while still allowing the offender to remain in the community. The informal nature of an RPW means that cautioning or charging is not a requirement, as the goal is to deal with the situation in a way that avoids the burdensome process of prosecution for minor offenses.