Correspondence
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X3400700313 |
| Date | 01 July 1934 |
| Published date | 01 July 1934 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
CORRESPONDENCE
CAUTIONARY LETTERS
To the Editor
of
THE
POLICE JOURNAL.
SIR,
Within recent years the practice by the police of sending out
cautionary letters for alleged offences has increased to such an extent
that it is now necessary to record these cautions in much the same
manner as previous convictions.
The
cautions are usually confined
to minor technical offences committed against the motor laws,
but
it is
noticed that there is a growing tendency for offences of a more serious
nature to be dealt with in this manner.
The
majority of alleged offenders no doubt appreciate escaping
with a caution,
but
occasionally a caution does not receive this ap-
preciation, as was instanced by the case of the person who sued the
police for libel when he received such a letter.
It
is difficult for the
police to decide, at times, what line to take. For example, recently a
judge commented on the waste of public money in a charge of Bigamy,
apparently expecting the police to exercise discretion; and this was a
felony. On the other hand, there are many cases settled out of court
where an accused has escaped the publicity which might have proved
harmful, as in cases of attempted suicide,
but
whether this is legal is
another matter.
If
it
is decided to caution, then let it be for an offence
where it is so obvious that there will be no question of dispute, as, for
instance, a motor car without proper lights or an expired licence,
but
where there is a likelihood of the evidence being questioned, as in care-
less driving, it is the wisest course to avoid sending any letter.
One could scarcely take objection to the form of caution which is
usually sent out by the
police-if
it is considered necessary to send out
such letters. Perhaps the last paragraph might be criticized:
'I
shall,
therefore, feel bound to take the circumstances into account, if you are
again reported for an alleged offence.' This seems to infer an offence
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