Inspectorate finds 'sound decision making'
20/01/2004
Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) has found that prosecutors at CPS Northamptonshire make sound casework decisions, in a report published today.
Colin Chapman, Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: "I welcome the positive findings of this report. I am pleased that the Inspectors have recognised our sound decision-making, successful casework outcomes and the strong commitment we have to engaging with our local community, here in Northamptonshire.
"The report also recognises, however, that there are areas for improvement in order to ensure that we are at our most effective in bringing the community's fight against crime to the courts. In particular, we must work closely with the police to improve standards of readiness at court.
"Indeed, at the time the Inspectors were with us, we were starting a new initiative - the Pre-Charge Advice Scheme - where prosecutors and investigators work together pre-charge to build stronger cases. This is already contributing to more effective hearings and speedier justice."
The inspectors praised:
- The ineffective trial rate which is considerably better than the national average in the crown court and impressive in the magistrates' courts;
- The time taken to deal with persistent young offenders from arrest to sentence in Northamptonshire (58 days for the period July to September 2003, well within the Government target of 71 days);
- A positive contribution to the work of the Local Criminal Justice Board Northamptonshire;
- Work to engage with the local community.
Recommendations included:
- Work with the police to achieve higher standards of readiness at court;
- Work with the police to improve performance of the co-located criminal justice unit, made up of CPS and police staff;
- Recruit a full compliment of lawyers to lessen reliance on agents in the magistrates' courts.