West Yorkshire Police – Letter of Apology (Victim Based Crime)

Letter of Apology

This condition can be used alone or in conjunction with other conditions.

Please note for Summary only offences Sergeant is the decision maker. For either- way offences the decision maker is to be the rank of Inspector or above; please refer to the DPP guidance for further information in relation to authority levels

· Outcome 22

· Community Resolution

· Adult Conditional Caution

Restorative Justice (or RJ) is a system of criminal justice that brings those harmed by crime and those responsible for the harm into communication with each other, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.

Restorative Justice has the potential to help rehabilitate offenders and support them in addressing their offending behaviour. It has the potential to motivate them to change and become responsible, law abiding and productive members of society.

Restorative Solutions will work with the perpetrator to compose a letter of apology to the victim on behalf of West Yorkshire Police. Restorative Solution facilitators will speak with the victim of crime prior to this intervention to ensure all matters are addressed by the offender.

Any Letter of Apology should always be victim centred, whether that’s a letter of explanation, a letter to answer questions or a letter to apologise. Restorative Solutions will work with the victim to understand their needs, ensuring that any communication is led by them to support them to move forward from the offence.