Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) has today [5 April 2018] issued a report following its inspection of the performance of CPS Mersey-Cheshire. This is the CPS response.
Introduction
Under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the right to life, there is a duty on the state to carry out a proper investigation where a death occurs and to involve the families to the extent necessary to safeguard their legitimate interests. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has policies to support victims and bereaved families and the duty to provide an enhanced level of service is required under the Victim’s Code. Nothing within this guidance affects these rights and responsibilities.
This document sets out the framework to be followed by Chief Crown Prosecutors (CCPs) and Circuit Advocate Liaison Committees (CALCs) when considering reports of errant conduct and/or poor performance by members of the CPS Advocate Panel (‘the Panel’) and other external advocates instructed by the CPS.
