Police cautions under review, says Ministry of Justice 3 April 2013 Last updated at 06:00 The use of police cautions for criminal offences in England and Wales is to be reviewed, the government has announced. Cautions, issued at the discretion of police, are a way of sanctioning criminals without going to court. But concerns have been raised that they are being used to deal with repeat offenders and for those who commit serious crimes, contrary to advice. The review will look at the way they are used and consider any need for changes to current laws or guidance. No increase Last year more than 200,000 people who committed crime were cautioned. The vast majority of those received a formal warning from police about their conduct, following an admission of guilt. This review has not been prompted by an increase in numbers, says BBC legal correspondent Clive Coleman. The use of cautions has fallen by 42% over the past five years. Instead, it is driven by concerns that, contrary to guidance given to police, they are being used to deal with serious offences and repeat offenders, says our correspondent. In the most recent annual figures covering offenders who were either cautioned or found guilty in court, more than one in four people involved in violence against others, and one in five sex offenders, received cautions, including 19 cautioned for rape. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the review followed calls for "greater public confidence and transparency in police use of cautions for repeat offenders and for those who commit serious crimes." In a statement, the MoJ said it would examine: Existing guidance and practice relating to cautions Whether there are offences where use of cautions would be "inappropriate" - and if so, what should be used instead Reasons why multiple cautions are given to some criminals The difference in their use by different police forces - and whether increased scrutiny is needed to ensure they are used consistently The impact on individuals of accepting a caution, including how it might affect future employment The MoJ said it was working with the Home Office and Attorney General's Office, and the review would closely involve the police, Crown Prosecution Service, victims' organisations, the judiciary and the legal community. The review will report back to ministers by the end of May.