Offending
When a complaint is made or a concern raised to Police Scotland about a child or young person’s behaviour, our officers will:
- Engage with the child and their parent / care giver
- Explain to the child what the police are investigating and why
- Explain the next steps of the youth justice process.
Every child will be treated fairly and we will make sure that they understand their rights in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The views of any child victim or witness will be listened to and considered throughout the investigation and will influence decision making.
Our officers will consider a number of factors when investigating a complaint or a concern raised about a child or young person’s behaviour. These might include but are not restricted to:
- the seriousness of the offence
- any previous reports of the child/young person coming into conflict with the law.
This will influence our decision-making on the appropriate course of action.
Several options are available to Police Scotland if our enquiries show that a child has come into conflict with the law. These options include:
- Verbal/Written Warning
- Restorative Justice Warning
- Early & Effective Intervention
- Recorded Police Warning (16–17-year-olds only)
- Report to Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) or Joint report to SCRA/Procurator Fiscal.
Where we think it will help the child, Police Scotland officers will speak to partner agencies to provide the child with any support they might need, and to make sure that our focus is on the best outcome for the child.
The needs and rights of a child will always be at the centre of our decision making.
More information about our multi-agency approach to supporting children who come into conflict with the law can be found at Getting it right for children and young people.
