Community Resolutions offer an alternative way for the police to deal with minor offences without resorting to formal charges or court proceedings. Many people wonder how these resolutions work, when police use them, and what effect they have on background checks and employment, especially in sensitive roles like teaching or safeguarding. This article explains Community Resolutions clearly, compares them to cautions and convictions, and explores their impact on DBS checks and employment decisions.

What Is a Community Resolution?

A Community Resolution is a way for the police to resolve minor offences without formal prosecution. It is often used for low-level crimes such as minor theft, vandalism, or anti-social behaviour where the offender admits responsibility and agrees to make amends. This could include apologising to the victim, repairing damage, or returning stolen items.

When Do Police Use Community Resolutions?

Police may offer a Community Resolution when:

• The offence is minor and the offender accepts responsibility.

• The victim agrees to the resolution.

• There is no need for a formal caution or prosecution.

• It is in the public interest to resolve the matter quickly and informally.

  
  

Community Resolutions are not suitable for serious offences or where the offender denies involvement.

How Does a Community Resolution Work?

The police explain the offence and the resolution to the offender. If the offender agrees, the resolution is recorded and the agreed action is taken. This avoids court proceedings and a formal criminal record. The resolution is noted on police records but does not result in a conviction or caution.

How Community Resolutions Differ from Cautions and Convictions

| Aspect | Community Resolution | Caution | Conviction |

|----------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------|--------------------------------|

| Formality | Informal | Formal warning | Court decision |

| Admission of guilt | Required | Required | Proven beyond reasonable doubt |

| Recorded on PNC | Yes, as non-conviction info | Yes, as caution | Yes, as conviction |

| Impact on DBS checks | Usually no | Yes, appears on some DBS checks | Yes, appears on all DBS checks |

| Suitable for | Minor offences | More serious but not prosecuted | Serious offences |

Community Resolutions are designed to be a quick, proportionate response to minor wrongdoing, unlike cautions or convictions which carry more serious consequences.

Do Community Resolutions Appear on DBS Checks?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) provides three types of checks:

• Basic DBS: Shows unspent convictions only.

• Standard DBS: Shows spent and unspent convictions and cautions.

• Enhanced DBS: Includes the above plus relevant police information.

  
  

Do Community Resolutions Show on DBS?

• Basic DBS: No, Community Resolutions do not appear.

• Standard DBS: No, they do not appear because they are not cautions or convictions.

• Enhanced DBS: Usually no, but police may disclose Community Resolutions as “local police information” in some cases.

  
  

When Might Police Disclose a Community Resolution as Local Police Information?

Police can include Community Resolutions on Enhanced DBS checks if they believe there is a pressing social need to disclose the information. This means the resolution is relevant to safeguarding or protecting vulnerable people, especially in roles involving children or vulnerable adults.

Why Community Resolutions Cannot Be Filtered

Filtering rules allow certain cautions and convictions to be removed from DBS checks after a period, depending on the offence and time elapsed. However, Community Resolutions:

• Are not convictions or cautions.

• Are recorded as “non-conviction information.”

• Cannot be filtered because they are not part of the formal criminal record.

  
  

This means they remain on police records indefinitely but usually do not affect DBS checks unless disclosed as local police information.

How Community Resolutions Are Recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC)

Community Resolutions are recorded on the PNC as non-conviction information. They are retained under the Management of Police Information (MoPI) guidelines, which set rules for how long police can keep and use information.

• Retention depends on the seriousness of the offence and risk posed.

• They are not criminal records but can influence future police decisions.

• Police may consider past Community Resolutions when assessing risk or deciding on further action.

  
  

What a Community Resolution Can Affect

While Community Resolutions are not criminal convictions, they can still have consequences:

• Employment: Usually no impact on basic or standard DBS checks, but may appear on enhanced checks if disclosed.

• Safeguarding roles: Police may disclose resolutions if relevant to protecting children or vulnerable adults.

• Future police decisions: Past resolutions may influence how police handle repeat offences.

• Firearms applications: Police may consider Community Resolutions when assessing suitability.

  
  

Common Law Police Disclosure (CLPD)

CLPD allows police to disclose information to employers or regulators outside the DBS system when there is a pressing social need.

What Is CLPD?

It is a legal principle permitting police to share relevant information to protect the public, especially in safeguarding roles.

When May Police Notify an Employer or Regulator?

• If the information is necessary to prevent harm.

• When the individual works with children or vulnerable adults.

• If there is a risk to public safety.

  
  

The Threshold of Pressing Social Need

Police must balance privacy with public protection. They only disclose information when there is a clear and urgent need.

How CLPD Applies to Teachers and Safeguarding Professionals

Teachers and safeguarding professionals may be notified of Community Resolutions if the police believe it affects their suitability to work with children.

Specific Guidance for Teachers

How a Theft Community Resolution May Impact Teaching Roles

• Minor shoplifting Community Resolutions rarely prevent employment.

• Breach-of-trust theft (e.g., stealing from a school) is more serious and may lead to disclosure.

  
  

Circumstances Where Police Might Disclose on an Enhanced DBS

• If the resolution relates to behaviour that poses a safeguarding risk.

• If the offence is recent or part of a pattern.

  
  

When CLPD Is Likely or Unlikely

• Likely if the offence involves harm or risk to children.

• Unlikely for isolated minor offences with no safeguarding concerns.

  
  

Difference Between Minor Shoplifting and Breach-of-Trust Theft

• Minor shoplifting: Usually a one-off, low-level offence.

• Breach-of-trust theft: Involves abusing a position of responsibility, more serious for teachers.

  
  
  
  

Reassurance and Practical Advice

• Community Resolutions are not criminal convictions.

• They rarely prevent employment in teaching or safeguarding roles.

• If you believe a DBS disclosure is inaccurate or disproportionate, you can challenge it through the DBS or legal advice.

• Employers and regulators should consider the context and proportionality of Community Resolutions in safeguarding decisions.

  
  

Community Resolutions provide a fair way to handle minor offences without formal criminal records. Understanding their role and impact helps individuals and employers navigate DBS checks and safeguarding responsibilities with confidence. If you face concerns about a Community Resolution affecting your employment, seek professional advice to ensure your rights are protected.