CPS Statement on HMCPSI Performance Assessment Report of Harrow

16/03/2010

Following publication of the HMCPSI performance assessment report of Harrow, Acting Borough Crown Prosecutor Smeetha Pillai 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. 

"Our procedures regarding disclosure will be looked at urgently and all staff are being reminded of their responsibilities in providing unused material.

"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.

"We have been rated fair for the service we provide to victims and witnesses but this will be among the aspects we seek to further improve. Attending court as a victim or witness can be very difficult and I want to make sure we have everything in place to make that easier. 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.

"I am hopeful that this report will signal the way forward. The Inspectorates findings make clear what aspects of our work we need to prioritise.

"My team and I are dedicated to prosecuting thoroughly crimes committed in Harrow, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice and that the people of Harrow have confidence in their Crown Prosecution Service."

Ends