A reprimand is a formal warning given to a young person for a first offence. The reprimand will be made in a police station. In Cambridge there are two reprimand workers who will visit the young person after they have received the reprimand. The young person is assessed to establish what caused the young person to commit the offence and to ensure that they understand the potential consequences of any further offending. If after the assessment the young person has any further needs, extra support may be offered from within the Youth Offending Service.

A final warning is a formal warning that can be given for a first OR second offence. Like a reprimand, it does not involve going to court but is delivered in a police station. However, unlike a reprimand the final warning will not be issued until a YOS worker has visited the young person. The YOS worker visits them at home to assess the causes of their offending behaviour and to see if they are suitable to receive a final warning. They will want to agree a programme of work with the young person that reduces the likelihood of further offending. This may be carried out over one or more further visits.