CPS News Centre

Criminal cases that the Crown Prosecution Service take to court are in the news every day. This section also covers many issues related to our work, including violence against women and girls, hate crime, support for victims and witnesses, statistics, and speeches by the Director of Public Prosecutions and other senior staff.

Latest news

You can find our latest news stories here and search for older stories. You can also find more information about high-profile cases and the work of the CPS.

Working with the media

To make criminal court reporting more open, the CPS, police, and media representatives created a joint protocol (agreement) for working together. We are currently working on an updated version of the protocol. 

Showing 561 - 570 of 679 results for area "CPS"

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Impact of coronavirus revealed in latest CPS performance data

Prosecution data for the first quarter of 2020/21 - covering the coronavirus lockdown period - has today been published. CPS figures show that while the number of suspects being referred and charged remained broadly stable, the volume of outstanding cases rose from 109,469 to just over 170,000. …
Press Release CPS

New legal guidance for prosecutors helps to tackle rape myths and stereotypes against the changing picture of modern life

The growing exchange of naked selfies, misconceptions about the use of ‘hook up’ dating sites and discussion of why sexual assault victims may remain in contact with their attacker all form part of new draft guidance for prosecutors on rape myths and stereotypes published by the Crown Prosecution…
Press Release Sexual offences CPS

Prosecutors and Police join forces in the North East to reduce delays in charging decisions for victims of rape and serious sexual offences

Prosecutors in the North East have been working with police to make promising strides in improving file quality and reducing delays in charging decisions for rape and sexual assault cases. Staff in the region’s Rape and serious Sexual Offences Unit (RASSO) joined forces with colleagues from…
Press Release Sexual offences CPS North East

Hate Crime Awareness Week: CPS Cymru/Wales

Hate crime can take many forms from shouting abuse to hate fuelled violence or targeted harassment over long periods of time, and the CPS are committed to working with the police and our community partners in order to address it. During Hate Crime Awareness Week (10-16 October) the CPS aims to…
Press Release Hate crime CPS Cymru/Wales

Proportion of hate crime cases getting increased sentences at all time high

At the start of National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) tomorrow (10 October) the Crown Prosecution Service has revealed that the proportion of those convicted of a hate crime who were given a tougher sentence is higher than ever before. In convicted cases where the prosecution applied to the…
Press Release Hate crime CPS

Modern slavery

Modern slavery has a devastating effect on its victims, and we are committed to prosecuting these crimes. If someone accused of a crime claims they are a victim of modern slavery and should not be prosecuted because they committed the offence as a consequence, or because they were compelled to…
CPS says International and organised crime CPS

The ‘Internet of Things’ helping to provide key evidence in criminal trials

Digital devices like smart doorbells, dashcam footage, car GPS systems and even Amazon Alexas are providing increasingly more evidence in criminal trials, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said in a speech today. Addressing the Westminster Policy Forum this morning on the challenges of…
Press Release CPS

August's coronavirus review findings

The findings of the CPS review for completed prosecutions in August under the Coronavirus Act and Health Protection Regulations are detailed in the table below. Number of cases finalised (August) Number incorrectly charged Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions)…
Press Release CPS

DPP to discuss prosecutorial independence and the rule of law

The Director of Public Prosecutions will discuss the importance of fair and independent prosecutions during a time of national emergency at an online event hosted by the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law tomorrow (Friday, 18 September). Max Hill QC will be in conversation with journalist Razia…
Press Release CPS

Prosecuting in the public interest: independence without isolation - Max Hill QC, Director of Public Prosecutions

In an essay to accompany an event with the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, Max Hill QC outlines what independence means for the Crown Prosecution Service in an extraordinary 2020 and beyond, and how it intersects with the Service’s other values and responsibilities. Drawing on the experiences…
Article CPS

Press Office contact details

Please note that our Press Office is NOT able to deal with issues or queries from members of the public - these contact details are for accredited journalists ONLY. Do not call this number unless you a member of the press. For all general enquiries, please visit contact.cps.gov.uk.

If you are a national or international journalist with a media enquiry, you can contact the CPS Press Office on 020 3357 0906 or email [email protected] (9am-5pm weekdays only).

For out-of-hours media enquiries please call 020 3357 0906 to reach the duty press officer.

Follow us on X: @cpsuk, Instagram: @crownprosecutors and LinkedIn.

The Crown Prosecution Service on social media

If you follow us on social media, you can expect posts covering some or all of the following:

  • Operational updates on decisions to prosecute or take no further action;
  • Reactions and statements on trial outcomes;
  • Policy updates from the Director of Public Prosecutions and other prosecutors;
  • Updates on media appearances by CPS staff
  • Content that explains the role of the CPS and how we work
  • Highlighting of relevant work by our criminal justice partners and other stakeholders

We will aim to be fair and accurate in all the information we publish. We will aim to correct any inaccuracies as soon as possible.

We are unable to monitor social media round the clock. We are not able to engage with all those who seek a response from us due to resources but also due to privacy and the sensitive nature of some of our work. The best way to contact the CPS is through our website.

Please do not try to report crime using social media. To report crime, please call 101 or visit your local police station. In an emergency, always call 999.

If you follow us on social media we will not automatically follow you back. Being followed by us does not imply endorsement of any kind.

Media protocol

To ensure greater openness in the reporting of criminal proceedings, the CPS, the police and media representatives developed a joint protocol for working together. We are currently in the process of updating the protocol.

Read the current protocol

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Blogs

Learn more about the CPS and read more of our stories on our blog.

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