What is issued instead of formal legal action for minor offences?

The issuance of warnings instead of formal legal action for minor offences serves as a preventive measure and an opportunity for education rather than immediate punitive action. Warnings are generally applied when minor violations occur, allowing offenders to understand the wrongdoing without escalating the issue through the legal system. This approach can also help to build rapport between the police and the community, encouraging compliance with the law and discouraging future offences.

In contrast, options like Criminal Infringement Notices, Field Court Attendance Notices, and Fixed Penalty Notices all represent forms of formal legal actions that incur penalties or require the recipient to respond legally. These options are typically used for violations that warrant a more structured or punitive response, which is different from the informal and educational nature of a warning. Thus, warnings are established as a response method tailored for less serious infractions, promoting community engagement while still addressing the issue at hand.