Diversion currently takes the form of an informal warning or a formal caution by the police. Police in some areas have also introduced instant or immediate cautions which are often given within a few hours of the commission of the offense. Some areas also have multi-agency cautioning panels. Major concerns regarding cautions are the geographical variations in its use and the possibility that it widens the net of social control. Needed changes include legislation that sets formal guidelines regarding the use of cautions together with procedural guidelines concerning informal warnings, formal cautions, the use of multi-agency panels, and services to accompany cautioning. 9 references