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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

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Home » News Centre » Press Releases » CPS seeks to reassure and listen to Muslim communities

CPS seeks to reassure and listen to Muslim communities

13/03/2006

The Crown Prosection Service has started a series of events in England and Wales to explain its work and policies to Muslim communities and listen to their concerns. The first meeting was held in London, in partnership with the Mayor of London.

Dru Sharpling, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London, said: "CPS London is pleased to have hosted the first of these engagements. We have a duty to protect members of the Muslim communities as much we have a duty to protect all members of our society. We are here to listen and to find out the concerns that London's Muslim communities have. The evening was not aimed at finding instant solutions but rather, it is the beginning of a dialogue that I hope we continue to build on for the future."

The CPS meetings are taking place between January and July 2006. The idea stemmed from a meeting between a range of Muslim representatives and Ken Macdonald QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and CPS Chief Executive Richard Foster. At that meeting, the Muslim organisations identified some key concerns for the CPS to take back and consider.

At the London event, senior lawyers explained how the CPS deals with:

  • The prosecution of terrorist cases;
  • The prosecution of incitement to racial hatred cases and the latest proposals by Government;
  • The prosecution of racially and religiously aggravated cases.

Lee Jasper, the Mayor's Policy Director, Equalities and Policing said: "The event brought together the Crown Prosection Service and Muslim communities in London to begin dialogue and develop a joint partnership approach tackling the key issues of concern for Muslim communities across the capital. I am committed to tackling equalities issues in the criminal justice system. Talking to communities and listening to their concerns is vital in underpinning this work, boosting community confidence and providing reassurance."

Media enquiries to CPS press office on 020 7710 6088.