Statement from the Director of Public Prosecutions: Disproportionality research report and action plan

Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, said: “It is widely acknowledged that racial disproportionality exists in our criminal justice system, but acknowledgment must not be taken as acceptance.

“The decisions we make as prosecutors have a profound impact on the lives of victims and defendants. It is vital we hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

“As Director of Public Prosecutions, I am doing just that. For us to bring meaningful change we must scrutinise and challenge how we work, particularly our legal decision-making. We have undertaken a detailed and rigorous research programme, and it is apparent from the data that there have been racial disparities in our legal decision-making. This is clearly unacceptable and I apologise, both personally and on behalf of the organisation. I deeply regret that this has occurred.

“Although the ultimate decision of guilt or innocence is for the courts, I am determined the CPS will eliminate any possible bias in our decision-making.

“Our systems and processes need to change to identify and tackle disparity, and our ambitious action plan is an important step towards achieving this.

“At the heart of this will be a change to the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the guidance by which prosecutors make their decisions, which will be designed to eliminate racial bias in decision-making. This will be supported by the development and use of digital tools and learning, education, development and training to identify bias and support decision making.

“I am determined to drive the change needed and work closely with our criminal justice partners to ensure that the justice system is transparent, fair and inclusive.

“We must continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards to secure the confidence of all our communities, especially those where we know there are lower levels of trust and confidence.”

“I am grateful for the scrutiny of our independent advisors in overseeing the research and their check and challenge as we developed the action plan and, importantly, as we move ahead with delivering on this.”