Principal Crown Advocate - Organised Crime Division
The Organised Crime Division is one of three divisions that make up the Central Casework Divisions (the other two being Special Crime and Counter Terrorism) and handles some of the most complex and serious cases undertaken by the CPS.
The Organised Crime Division deals exclusively with cases investigated by Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) and all associated confiscation and enforcement issues as well as 'hi-tech' crime.
Prosecutors within the Organised Crime Division work alongside investigators at the initial stages of investigations including, where appropriate, advice in relation to intervention options. They retain 'ownership' of cases throughout the prosecution and confiscation process. Much of the work is international in character and our prosecutors assist SOCA in the fight against organised crime around the world. OCD also employs Principal Crown Advocates to undertake in-house advocacy in most SOCA cases. We also manage a network of overseas Liaison Magistrates on behalf of all UK law enforcement agencies. Our lawyers also support policy and training initiatives both in the UK and overseas.
The Division's catchment area comprises England and Wales and cases are allocated between London, York, Birmingham and Manchester.
To gain an insight into the role of a Principal Crown Advocate please see profiles of our existing Principal Crown Advocates within the Organised Crime Division - Tim Probert-Wood (below) and Graham Reeds QC
A Day in the Life - Tim Probert-Wood Principal Crown Advocate
I joined the Organised Crime Division of the CPS in April 2006 having spent 22 years at the independent bar doing crime. It was the best move I ever made.
My work these days is invariably high-powered and thrilling
My days fall into two broad categories. Either I am doing the job that I have always loved, which is being an Advocate in court. The structure of my working life then, is essentially the same as it was at the Bar, except that I am not involved in some routine, run of the mill affair, which I found all too common in the past. My work these days is invariably high-powered and thrilling. I am usually leading in very serious prosecutions that are well prepared and well supported against top defence Barristers and in front of the best Judges.
Or I am in the office, a modern, light and airy environment so very different to my freezing old chambers. It is here that the improved quality of my working life really stands out. I have plenty of time to fully prepare each case and working near the lawyers and case workers means that lines of communication are instant. Instead of only being involved in cases post-charge, as one is at the Bar, I am now concerned at a very early stage in an investigation. This is not only exciting and interesting but means that you have a lot of influence on the final shape that a case takes. There is a great deal of satisfaction to be found in this 'cradle to grave' approach to a case and seeing your early advices and decisions bear fruit.
There is no 'clocking off and on' mentality in the office. I am trusted and expected to do the work that is necessary to prepare my cases and in this, the discipline learnt as a self-employed practitioner continues.
It is not only the work regime that is so much better than in the past. It is also the smaller, more peripheral things, from the excellent and cheap canteen to the well equipped gym in the basement.
What it all adds up to is that my days are not only satisfying but pleasurable too.
