Progression of cases submitted to the CPS for charging decisions
Explores factors influencing the progression of cases sent by police to the CPS for a charging decision by analysing 1,002 criminal case files and 55 interviews
Applies to England and Wales
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This study makes an important contribution to filling an evidence gap around how the interaction between the police and CPS affects case progression and is one of the first robust studies in this area. The research is based on an analysis of a sample of 1,002 criminal case files submitted to the CPS for a charging decision and 55 semi-structured interviews with police and CPS staff involved in case progression.
The analysis examines the critical factors that influence timeliness and case outcomes in non-remand offences where the charge is authorised by the CPS. The analysis of interviews with the police and CPS sets out views on what factors influence the speed of case progression and what could be done to improve timeliness. Here, strengthening communications between the CPS and police was perceived to be pivotal to processing cases swiftly.