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The Role of The Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service is the government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales.

As the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales, we are responsible for:

  • advising the police on cases for possible prosecution
  • reviewing cases submitted by the police
  • determining any charges in more serious or complex cases
  • preparing cases for court
  • presenting cases at court

Find out more about the role of the Crown Prosecution Service

Home » News Centre » Press Releases » Crown Prosecution Service Chief Executive appointed

Crown Prosecution Service Chief Executive appointed

11/01/2007

Peter Lewis has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Crown Prosecution Service from 15 January. Currently the CPS Director of Business Development, Mr Lewis is the first Chief Executive to be appointed from within the Service.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald QC said today:

"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Lewis as Chief Executive and I am very much looking forward to working with him.

"Peter's dedication and success as our first Director of Business Development bodes very well for the challenges that his appointment as CEO will bring."

Peter Lewis said:

"I look forward to working with the Director in driving the CPS to its rightful place as a great prosecuting authority. I absolutely believe we have the staff and the potential to achieve that."

Mr Lewis is a solicitor who started his career with the CPS at its inception in 1986. He was Chief Crown Prosecutor for Nottinghamshire from 1999 to 2003 when he was appointed to his current post.

One of his many notable achievements has been to drive through charging reforms, an initiative that saw the CPS assume responsibility from the police for charging decisions, a year ahead of schedule.

Peter is married with two sons and lives in Nottinghamshire.

  1. Mr Lewis is Vice-Chair of the Criminal Law Committee of the Law Society.
  2. A photograph is available on request.
  3. All enquiries to CPS Press Office on 020 7796 8127.