CPS responds to report on performance
13/12/2005
Derbyshire Crown Prosecution Service has welcomed an independent report assessing its performance for 2004-2005.
The report, published today by Her Majestys Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, evaluated Derbyshire CPSs performance in 14 key areas of its work. The Area was awarded an overall performance rating of fair, receiving 6 good gradings and 8 fair gradings. No aspect of its performance was rated as poor.
Brian Gunn, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Derbyshire CPS said:
"As a public organisation we are accountable to the people of Derbyshire. Independent and comprehensive monitoring of our performance not only enables us to identify areas where we are working well but more importantly, where there are opportunities for improvement.
"Our performance over the past two years has been set against a backdrop of considerable change within the CPS, during which we have introduced and developed a number of initiatives all aimed at improving the work we do and the service we provide to victims and witnesses of crime. We are delighted our work in this area has been acknowledged by the Inspectorate. However we recognise that there is scope for improvement in certain areas, and have already begun to take steps to address a number of key issues highlighted in the report.
"This year we have channelled considerable resources into improving the service we provide to victims and witnesses of crime. During the year we have introduced three Witness Care Units in the county, staffed by teams of Witness Care Officers. They carry out a needs assessments with witnesses to identify any potential problems that may prevent them attending court, and co-ordinate any support needed to assist them in giving evidence. They provide updates about the progress of the case and at the end of the trial make sure that victims and witnesses are told about the result and sentencing, thanked for their help with the case and offered further support if they need it.
"The report identified that more work needs to be done to reduce the number of ineffective trials in the Area that is where the trial has to be adjourned on the day of the trial. Since April we have recruited a number of Case Progression Officers, who work directly with our colleagues in the countys courts. Their role is to ensure that all the appropriate trial readiness checks have been completed and any outstanding issues resolved, in order to ensure that the trial takes place on schedule, and victims and witnesses are only called when needed.
"We are fully committed to further developing our competency in all areas of our performance and continuing to deliver a quality service to the communities of Derbyshire."
The report found that:
- The Area is working to increase the number of successful outcomes and reduce the number of cases not pursued through the court system. Its unsuccessful outcomes and overall conviction rates are better than the national averages.
- The Area identifies and handles sensitive cases and hate crime effectively. Cases are handled appropriately, flagged correctly and monitored, with dedicated Area Champions providing support, guidance and training where appropriate.
- The Area has a clear sense of purpose supported by relevant plans. Planning and communicating new initiatives has been effective, both internally and in conjunction with other criminal justice system partners.
- The Area is working proactively to secure the confidence of the community. Staff undertake a wide range of community engagement activity, including community consultation in a number of areas.
Stephen Wooler, Chief Inspector of the CPS, said: "CPS Derbyshire achieves good case outcomes and its handling of sensitive cases and hate crimes is strong. Although some aspects of casework require attention, there is a real commitment towards progressing and achieving the benefits from initiatives aimed at improving the criminal justice system. The Area now needs to apply its improved performance monitoring systems in order to raise standards in the specific respects that we have identified."