Immediate Justice Scheme Passes 1,000 Referrals as Reoffending Plummets
Nottinghamshire’s Immediate Justice programme has now seen more than 1,000 offenders referred through its doors, following its launch in January 2024 by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
New evaluation data has revealed that those who complete the scheme are half as likely to reoffend as those dealt with through traditional routes.
In partnership with Nottinghamshire Police and Red Snapper Managed Services, the scheme delivers swift, visible consequences for low-level crime and antisocial behaviour. Offenders take part in community reparation work, such as litter picking, park clean-ups, graffiti removal or charity placements, while engaging in restorative sessions that encourage reflection and accountability.
Since launch, 1,040 people have been referred up to November 2025, with referrals continuing to rise. Around 68 per cent of all participants have completed their sessions in full, with completion rates highest for assault and criminal-damage cases.
The impact has been striking. Just 9 per cent of people who completed Immediate Justice went on to reoffend, compared with 19 per cent of those receiving a conventional community resolution and 35 per cent of those who dropped out of the programme. Among women who completed, none reoffended within 12 months, and young people under 25 saw reoffending fall by three-quarters compared with traditional outcomes.
Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “To reach more than 1,000 referrals in such a short time shows how Immediate Justice is transforming the way we deal with low-level offending in Nottinghamshire. People want to see consequences and this scheme delivers them quickly, visibly and fairly.
“It’s holding offenders to account, repairing harm, and giving communities the reassurance that justice is being done. We’ve seen a 52 per cent drop in reoffending compared with traditional methods, and that’s something everyone involved should be proud of.
“Nottinghamshire is now one of the most successful areas in the country for Immediate Justice referrals, and I’m determined we keep building on that success.”
The evaluation also highlights the social and financial benefits of the programme. Estimated cost savings already stand at more than £70,000, with forecasts suggesting annual savings could exceed £260,000 once the scheme reaches full capacity. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with 93 per cent saying their work benefited the community and 97 per cent finding the experience useful.
Superintendent Chris Pearson, Nottinghamshire Police’s City Commander, said: “Immediate Justice has become an essential part of how we respond to antisocial behaviour and low-level crime. It allows us to deliver quick, visible results that the public can see and understand.
“Offenders are learning about the impact of their actions and making amends directly within their communities. That’s powerful, and it’s changing behaviour for the better.”
The evaluation also found that the majority of participants are under 25, reflecting the scheme’s success as an early-intervention tool. Offenders are usually referred within two weeks of their offence, and in many cases begin reparation within days, reinforcing the link between behaviour and consequence that lies at the heart of the approach.
A spokesperson for Red Snapper Managed Services, who deliver the day-to-day operations of the scheme, added: “We’re immensely proud to help deliver Immediate Justice in Nottinghamshire and to see it make such a difference.
“Many participants tell us it’s the first time they’ve been given the chance to make things right. The results show that when people are treated with fairness, consistency and respect, change really does happen.”
Looking ahead, the OPCC plans to build on this success by expanding placements across the county, developing skills-based and employability modules, and exploring a dedicated women’s Immediate Justice pathway to ensure every offender has access to the right support.
Commissioner Godden added: “Immediate Justice is proof that when we act quickly, compassionately and decisively, we can reduce reoffending, repair harm and strengthen communities. This is justice people can see, and believe in.”