CPS Statement on HMCPSI Performance Assessment Report of Hounslow

16/03/2010

Following publication of the HMCPSI performance assessment report of Hounslow, Borough Crown Prosecutor Nick Coates 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.

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

In December, we moved into Hounslow Police station and it is hoped this co-location with the police will lead to many improvements in the way we work. We hope to continue and build on the strong working relationship we have with the police, resulting in better case management and, hopefully, an increase in the number of successful outcomes.

"There have been challenging times for the CPS in Hounslow and improvements are needed but 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 Hounslow, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice and that the people of Hounslow have confidence in their Crown Prosecution Service."

Ends