Glossary

Key terms & acronyms

Quick definitions of the language used on these pages.

Summary

Offence triable only in the Magistrates' Court. Lower max penalties (typically up to 6 months' custody) and faster process. Examples: s.5 POA, drink-drive.

Either-way

Can be tried in the Magistrates' or the Crown Court. The defendant can elect Crown Court trial; magistrates can also decline jurisdiction if their sentencing powers are insufficient. Examples: ABH (s.47 OAPA), theft, s.4 POA.

Indictable only

Can only be tried in the Crown Court. Most serious offences. Out-of-court disposals are NOT available — the matter must be charged (CPS authority required). Examples: rape (s.1 SOA), robbery (s.8 Theft Act), GBH with intent (s.18 OAPA).

CPS— Crown Prosecution Service

Independent prosecutor for England & Wales. Decides charge for any offence outside the police-charged list and prosecutes the case in court.

DPP— Director of Public Prosecutions

Head of the CPS. The DPP's Guidance on Charging tells officers which offences the police can charge and which require CPS authority.

OIC— Officer in the Case

The officer responsible for investigating and progressing the file from report through to disposal.

FPN / PND— Fixed Penalty Notice / Penalty Notice for Disorder

On-the-spot ticket. PNDs are typically £60–£100 for low-level disorder (s.5 POA, drunk & disorderly). FPNs cover road traffic (e.g. £100 + 6 points for no insurance) and some local matters.

CR— Community Resolution

Out-of-court disposal for low-level, first-time offences where the suspect admits and the victim supports it. No criminal record. Restorative element preferred (apology, repair, undertaking). NOT available for DA or hate-crime cases.

Simple Caution

Formal admission-based disposal. Recorded on PNC, can be cited in court as bad character if the offender reoffends. Adult only; usually requires Inspector authority.

Conditional Caution

Like a simple caution but with attached conditions (rehab course, restorative meeting, financial reparation). Breach = prosecution for the original offence. DPP authority required for some offences.

Youth Caution / YCC— Youth Conditional Caution

Caution route for 10–17s. Always involves the Youth Offending Team (YOT). YCC adds conditions designed by the YOT. Appropriate Adult must be present.

Summons / Postal Charge

The defendant is required to attend court by a summons issued through the post (Single Justice Procedure Notice for many summary offences). Used where charge isn't necessary at the police station.

Charge

Formal accusation of a criminal offence, authorised by a custody sergeant or CPS lawyer. The case then proceeds to court.

DA— Domestic Abuse

Any incident between intimate partners or family members aged 16+. DASH risk assessment is mandatory. CR is NOT permitted in DA cases (College APP).

DASH— Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment & Honour-Based Violence risk model

Standard risk assessment used in DA cases — must be submitted to the DA team alongside any disposal.

MSA— Modern Slavery Act 2015

If trafficking / exploitation indicators are present, refer the suspect into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) — possible s.45 statutory defence.

NRM— National Referral Mechanism

Framework for identifying potential victims of modern slavery and trafficking and ensuring they receive appropriate support.

PNC— Police National Computer

National database of convictions, cautions, intelligence and warning markers. Cautions and convictions are recorded on PNC; community resolutions are not (force system only).

ABE— Achieving Best Evidence

Video-recorded interview procedure for vulnerable / intimidated witnesses (incl. all complainants of serious sexual offences and most child witnesses).

SARC— Sexual Assault Referral Centre

24/7 specialist centre offering medical care, forensic examination and ISVA support for victims of rape and sexual assault.

Gravity Matrix

Force-specific scoring tool that grades each offence/circumstance to recommend a disposal (CR, caution, charge, etc.). Always cross-check the engine's recommendation against your force's matrix.