Police-initiated diversion for young people
Evidence-rated crime-reduction intervention (EMMIE).
Effect on crime
reduces crime
Evidence quality
very strong
What the evidence says
Police-initiated diversion interventions aim to reduce future offending by diverting low-risk young people away from traditional criminal justice processes. The evidence indicates that this approach has led to a statistically significant reduction in subsequent offending compared to formal processing, with overall reductions in reoffending rates. This approach leverages alternatives like cautions and restorative justice measures.
How it works
The intervention works by diverting young people away from the criminal justice system, thus decreasing their exposure to negative peer influences and reducing the likelihood of being labelled as delinquent. It also provides access to supportive services aimed at preventing further offending.
Implementation
The review noted varied implementation methods, including traditional cautioning schemes that involved police officers and families. However, detailed implementation information was lacking, highlighting the need for further exploration in practical settings.
Source: College of Policing Crime Reduction Toolkit (What Works Centre for Crime Reduction). Summarised 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the College of Policing.