CPS Statement on HMCPSI Performance Assessment report of Barking and Dagenham

19/01/2010

Following publication of the HMCPSI performance assessment report of Barking and Dagenham, Acting Borough Crown Prosecutor Mohammed Cheema said:

"We welcome the report and have already begun implementing a number of the aspects of improvement identified by the Inspectorate. The report recognises that the borough is working to a 'fair' standard but we constantly seek to improve further and will be analysing the report fully.

"The Inspectorate has recognised that the borough is charging cases fairly and applying the Code for Crown Prosecutors correctly. I acknowledge that we need to maintain and enhance our system of building strong cases so that they are of the highest quality by the time they are brought to court. It is my firm belief that constant improvement and a self-critical approach to building cases will also increase the conviction rate at both the Magistrates and Crown Courts.

"The report acknowledges that domestic violence accounts for 40% of locally reported recordable crime in the borough. In Barking and Dagenham our performance levels in relation to violence against women, which domestic violence is a part of, are better than the national and London-wide results. However, we will continue to improve upon this and will work with our Criminal Justice partners in tackling the problem together. It is also pleasing to see that the inspectors rated our performance on serious violence, sexual offences and hate crimes as good because these are often the cases which have the greatest impact on victims whilst also being the hardest cases to prosecute.

"We will continue to improve upon the service we provide to victims and witnesses. Ensuring those who are a victim of crime or who witness a crime are kept informed about the progress of a case is of vital importance to the Crown Prosecution Service. In the three months since April we kept victims informed in 100% of relevant cases in accordance with the CPS policy on Direct Communication with Victims. I will be seeking to continue that.

"We do have a high rate of witnesses not attending court and ultimately, without people coming forward we cannot bring perpetrators to justice. I will be working hard with my staff and with our Criminal Justice partners to ensure that the service we provide to victims and witnesses is improved.

"I am satisfied that we are working well with our Criminal Justice partners and this is highlighted in the report. We have a strong and constructive relationship and will continue to build upon that in the coming months as we seek to improve on the aspects identified by the Inspectorate.

"My team and I are dedicated to the robust prosecution of crimes committed in Barking and Dagenham, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice, so that the people of Barking and Dagenham feel safe in their homes and on the streets."

Ends