Offender support service relaunched in Rutland
The PCC-funded service will work with eligible adult offenders as an alternative to court in some low-level and first-time offence cases.
A service aimed at helping some offenders avoid further crime without going through the courts has been relaunched across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has awarded a two-year contract to community support specialist Ingeus to deliver an Out of Court Resolution service for eligible adult offenders.
Out of Court Resolutions, also known as OOCRs, allow police to deal with some low-level and first-time offences without taking a case to court.
The approach is only used in limited circumstances and only when a suspect admits the offence.
Offences which may be considered can include common assault, possession of cannabis and public order offences.
The process is designed to provide a quicker outcome for victims while ensuring offenders are held accountable for their actions.
It can also include tailored support aimed at reducing the likelihood of further offending.
Depending on the circumstances, offenders may be asked to comply with voluntary conditions as part of the resolution.
These can include attending a domestic abuse perpetrator programme or taking part in targeted intervention work for young adults aged between 18 and 25.
The PCC says the service supports his wider Police and Crime Plan, which includes a commitment to help the force use out of court options for victims where they are considered most effective.
It also forms part of a prevention-focused approach aimed at tackling the causes of crime and helping communities become stronger and more resilient.
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “Court proceedings are not always the most effective way to deal with crime.
“The use of Out of Court Resolutions can bring swift and satisfactory justice and closure for victims, while also helping offenders to understand the human impact and consequences of their actions, often reducing their motivation to commit further offences.
“This approach focuses on low-risk, first-time offenders, who are more receptive to efforts to change their behaviour to prevent them from becoming habitual criminals.
“It is vital we address the underlying causes of offending rather than continually applying a sticking plaster.
“It strongly links back to the Peelian principle of success being measured not on the number of arrests and convictions but by the absence of crime.”
Figures from the previous OOCR service show that between April and December 2025, 78% of eligible domestic abuse perpetrators completed the CARA, or Cautioning and Relationship Abuse, early intervention programme run by Hampton Trust.
During the same period, 100% of young people aged 18 to 25 who took part in the Reflect targeted support course run by Ingeus said they were satisfied with the intervention.
The relaunched service will run until 31 March 2028, with the possibility of a further 12-month extension to 31 March 2029.