CPS Statement on HMCPSI Performance Assessment Report of Hammersmith and Fulham
16/03/2010
Following publication of the HMCPSI performance assessment report of Hammersmith and Fulham, Borough Crown Prosecutor David Cawthorne said:
"Case preparation and progression is an important aspect that we are urgently working to improve. We are training staff to become paralegal officers and assistants to increase our coverage of Crown Court cases and enable better and more thorough preparation and progression of Crown Court work which in turn will result in more successful prosecutions.
"A London wide review of resourcing in each borough is currently in progress and will be completed shortly. This will ensure we have the right number of people in place to deal with the workload. Proper resources and clear structures and processes will improve case preparation, ensuring we have the strongest cases possible when we get to court and providing a better service to victims and witnesses. I am confident that will see conviction rates rise in both the Magistrates and Crown Courts.
"Ensuring those who are a victim of crime or who witness crime are kept informed about the progress of a case is of vital importance to the Crown Prosecution Service. We will prioritise the need to ensure that applications for special measures are submitted in time, so that people giving evidence are given every help they need in court.
"We have just moved into Hammersmith Police Station and I am confident that this new way of working will lead to a stronger working relationship with the police, better case management and, hopefully, an increase in the number of successful outcomes.
"There have been challenging times for the CPS in Hammersmith and Fulham but I am hopeful that this report will signal the way forward. The Inspectorates findings make clear what aspects of our work need to be improved.
"My team and I are dedicated to prosecuting thoroughly crimes committed in Hammersmith and Fulham, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice and that the people of the borough have confidence in their Crown Prosecution Service."
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