Building Confidence

The CPS, alongside its criminal justice partners, undertakes engagement with communities to raise awareness about the role of the CPS in criminal proceedings. Our staff attend different engagement events to listen to the views of the public about the way that we deliver the prosecution service.

We know that there is often an under-reporting of crime so we are committed to reassuring local people about what we can do to tackle crime and disorder.  For example, victims and witnesses often express concern about the fear of retribution if they give evidence in court.  In response to this the CPS continues to develop understanding amongst the local population about the special measures that can be put in place to support victims and witnesses give evidence.

In CPS Thames and Chiltern, we have established a structure to drive the effective delivery of community engagement.  The Thames and Chiltern Area Confidence Board oversees the overall direction of the CPS work on community engagement, making sure that it is co-ordinated and informed by best practice initiatives.  Lawyer managers have responsibility for delivering engagement at the local level in the 5 Counties within the region of Thames and Chiltern.

Local engagement activities are planned and delivered in partnership with local communities, the police and local councils, to build confidence around key areas of concern that have been identified in local Community Safety Partnership plans.  The CPS also reviews its performance and undertakes targeted engagement with diverse communities to continuously improve the delivery of our prosecutions.

The CPS recognises that the public has an important role to play in influencing the Criminal Justice Sector.  Understanding the needs and views of the communities we serve is intrinsic to the delivery of an effective prosecution service.