Recommendation 61

We recommend that the Home Office place a duty on all 43 police forces in England and Wales to establish diversion schemes in their force area for young people and adults who have committed low-level offences. The duty must outline requirements for the diversion schemes in order to ensure a minimum standard that all diversion schemes must satisfy. In drafting the duty, the Home Office must consult with police 80 Drugs forces and relevant stakeholders on what the minimum standards should include. The Home Office must also publish guidance on the implementation and operation of diversion schemes.