Direct Communication with Victims

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Direct Communication with Victims programme commits our lawyers to write to victims to explain the reasons behind a decision to drop or substantially alter their case.  This must be done within five days of this decision being made.

All prosecutors receive training on preparing informative and sensitive letters that fully explain why a particular case has been discontinued or changed.

In more serious and sensitive cases we invite the victim, and in some cases their family, to attend an informal meeting at the CPS where we explain face to face why a decision has been made and try and answer any questions they may have.

If the victim is deceased this explanation will be given to their relatives or next of kin.