Working 24/7

Case study from CPS Direct

“This year, across England and Wales, more than 290 legal and operational colleagues at CPS Direct (CPSD) – the Crown Prosecution Service’s specialist unit providing charging decisions around the clock – came together in extraordinary ways, responding to over 87,000 cases day and night, weekends and bank holidays and making charging decisions whenever they were needed.

“Even when working in isolation through the night, out-of-hours colleagues remained connected, collaborating virtually to deliver justice and support one another.

“A key strength of CPSD has been its ability to collaborate across Areas. The Central Prosecution Team (CPT) provided flexible support during surges in demand, while the out-of-hours team ensured timely charging decisions on complex cases. Together, they tackled urgent and sensitive cases with skill, adaptability and care.

“When new offences emerged under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, the team adapted quickly – making the first charging decisions in the early hours, within hours of the legislation coming into force at midnight.

“These results stand as a testament to a team united by expertise, resilience and unwavering focus on supporting the victims and communities that the CPS serves.”

290+ colleagues across England and Wales, working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week making charging decisions and collaborating across specialist teams, day and night, weekends and bank holidays on more than 87,000 cases involving urgent, complex and sensitive matters for victims and communities 365 days a year, even when legislation changes overnight.