Key staff and responsibilities

CPS Northamptonshire employs around 75 members of staff including lawyers, caseworkers and administrators. Read on for more information.

Leadership

The Chief Crown Prosecutor has ultimate responsibility for CPS Northamptonshire and reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the head of the CPS.

The Chief Crown Prosecutor is assisted by the District Crown Prosecutor - South Unit and the District Crown Prosecutor - North Unit

The Area Business Manager is responsible for the smooth-running of the business, managing the financial and support functions that enable the organisation to operate.

Prosecutors

CPS Northamptonshire employs around 30 lawyers, called Crown Prosecutors, who are Barristers and Solicitors.

Prosecutors are responsible for reviewing and, where appropriate, prosecuting criminal cases following investigation by the police. They also advise the police on matters relating to criminal cases.

In each case reviewed the prosecutor will consider whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute and, if so, whether the prosecution is in the public interest.

Associate Prosecutors have similar responsibilities for reviewing and prosecuting criminal cases, the difference being they can only prosecute in the Magistrates' Courts. They conduct Remand Courts and Plea and Adjourn Courts.

Caseworkers

CPS Northamptonshire employs around 7 caseworkers who are Crown Court Caseworkers.

Crown Court Caseworkers assist prosecutors by preparing and managing casework. They also attend the Crown Court to make notes on the outcome of hearings and assist Witnesses and Victims of crime, and liaise with the police and other organisations within the Criminal Justice System.

Administrators

CPS Northamptonshire employs around 20 administrative personnel, who either undertake casework-related duties or provide finance, information technology, training, personnel and management support.

Administrative Caseworkers assist caseworkers and lawyers. They ensure that files are ready for court and update the computer system which holds electronic records of cases.

For information about careers at CPS Northamptonshire visit the Careers section of the website.