Direct Communication with Victims

The CPS 'Direct Communication with Victims' programme was introduced in Derbyshire in March 2002.  The programme aims to ensure victims of crime are kept up to speed with any developments in their case at the earliest opportunity.

Under the programme our lawyers are committed to writing to victims to inform them of a decision to drop or substantially alter their case within five days of this decision being made.

All our prosecutors receive training on preparing informative and sensitive letters that explain fully why the particular case has been discontinued or changed.

If the victim is deceased this explanation will be given to their relatives or next of kin.

In more serious and sensitive cases we invite the victim, and in some cases their family, to attend an informal meeting at CPS where we explain face to face why a decision has been made and try and answer any questions they may have.