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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 » CPS response to Inspectorate report on the CPS Anti-Social Behaviour Project

CPS response to Inspectorate report on the CPS Anti-Social Behaviour Project

28/06/2005

The Crown Prosecution Service has welcomed the findings of a CPS Inspectorate Report on the way it is tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and social impact crime.

The CPS Anti-Social Behaviour Project started in April 2004. The Report commends the Project's good progress made in the short time it has been running and makes several recommendations to help it develop in its second year.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC, said:

"Many people are fed up with being harassed by local trouble-makers and with their homes and streets being ruined by vandalism and graffiti. We recognise the very serious effect that this behaviour has on people's lives. This Report shows the CPS has been talking to those people, listening, and coming up with new ways to deal with offenders. I am encouraged by the progress this Report shows we have made in such a short time and welcome the clear direction added by the Report's recommendations, many of which we have already put into operation."

The Report highlights the pioneering work done by ASB specialist prosecutors in 14 areas who have stretched the boundaries of the prosecutor's role with more liaison with local communities, Criminal Justice System (CJS) partners and other agencies. The valuable information and experience they have gained has helped the CPS at a corporate level to contribute even further to the CJS co-ordinated approach to social impact crime.

The Report identifies that the good work achieved by the Project so far now needs to be developed into a clear strategy in its second year with greater awareness within and outside of the CPS as to what that strategy involves. Responding to that, the CPS has already created action plans for its specialist prosecutors and is developing a network of co-ordinators to share the specialists' expert knowledge throughout all CPS Areas.

The Report also states that in general decision-making within the CPS is of a high standard, but that there is remains a perception that CPS prosecutors are inclined to discontinue cases inappropriately at the lower end of the scale. Initiatives like statutory charging and Witness Care Units are involving police, victims and witnesses to be more informed of the prosecution decision process to address the Report's finding that there is a perception that decision making is not as good as it really is.

  1. Fur further information, please contact CPS Press Office on 020 7796 8105.
  2. The CPS Anti-Social Behaviour Project was set up in April 2004. This Project sought to maximise the benefit of ASBOs to the community.
  3. The eyes and ears of the Project have been the 14 Specialist Prosecutors who are based in anti-social behaviour 'hot spots' - Avon & Somerset, Greater Manchester, Kent, Lancashire, London, Merseyside, Northumbria, South Yorkshire, Sussex, West Mercia, West Midlands and West Yorkshire. As well as being specialist prosecutors, they have been liaising with local communities and CJS partners, developing local protocols and providing training. The CPS is planning to share the experience and knowledge they have gained to all prosecutors.
  4. HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate are independent inspectors who monitor the service provided by the CPS. Their Report is entitled "Bringing Back Quality of Life to our Communities" and is available via the HMCPSI website www.hmcpsi.gov.uk.
  5. The Report follows an investigation by HMCPSI in the last quarter of 2004. It is designed to ensure that the CPS are affording appropriate levels of care and attention to social impact crime in line with Public Service Agreement targets.