The man who represents hundreds of Hampshire police officers has welcomed a shake-up in punishments for minor offenders.

Ministers want to replace police cautions with a two-tier system requiring offenders to make amends for their crimes through community resolutions, such as paying compensation or fixing damage.

John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, welcomed the news of the trial and said his county’s force had been using community resolutions “for some time”.

He said: “They have proved to be effective, not only for the offender but also mean the victim can have more of a say in what happens.”

A trial system will take place in Staffordshire, West Yorkshire and Leicestershire.

Mr Apter added: “I think the trial can only be a positive thing and the judicial system needs to move with the times and not just use the blunt instrument of police cautions which can be ignored.”

If offenders fail to meet resolutions they could face greater punishment including fines or rehabilitation courses.