Standard 1: Advice

1.1   We advise the police and other investigators when they ask us, which may sometimes be before they are ready to arrest a suspect. This usually occurs:

a)  in relation to suspects who are believed to represent a particularly serious risk to the public;

b)  where important decisions are needed that might affect how evidence can be used at court;

c)  where a particular community or group of people is affected by persistent offending or anti-social behaviour; or

d)  where an unusual or sensitive offence is under investigation, such as corporate manslaughter or electoral fraud.

1.2   We aim to give high quality advice within an agreed strict time period.

1.3   Advice is given or confirmed in writing, with reasons, and, where relevant, a list of action points.

1.4   We advise on:

a)  possible offences to charge or other ways of dealing with the offending, so that the investigation can be properly and efficiently focused;

b)  likely lines of enquiry to produce as strong a case as possible;

c)  the likely admissibility of evidence;

d)  how evidence should be gathered so that it can be best presented in court;

e)  the potential need for expert evidence;

f)  how unused material should be collated;

g)  the potential for asking the court to make ancillary orders, such as Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, and the collection of the evidence needed to support the applications;

h)  the use of special powers that require a prosecutor's consent to secure the cooperation of witnesses or a court order to obtain evidence;

i)  the extradition of a suspect;

j)  the restraint of a suspect's assets; and

k)  how to obtain evidence from abroad.