Our criminal justice partners
At the CPS we work with a range of partners from across the criminal justice system.
The police
There are 43 police forces across England and Wales.
They are responsible for investigating crime, collecting evidence and arresting or detaining suspected offenders.
For less serious offences the police will make the decision about whether a suspect should be charged. For more serious offences the police will send the case to the CPS and we will make a decision about whether a suspect can be prosecuted.
You can find more information about the police, including information about your local force on the police website: police.uk
HM Courts and Tribunals Service
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of courts and tribunals in England and Wales. There are different courts for criminal, civil and family matters.
HMCTS help to ensure access to justice and that the courts and tribunals system is fair, efficient and accessible.
More information: gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service
The Law Officers
The Law Officers are MPs and members of the government.
The Attorney General is the chief legal adviser to the government and superintends the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office.
The Attorney General also has overall responsibility for the Government Legal Department and His Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.
The Solicitor General supports the Attorney across the range of their responsibilities.
More information: gov.uk/government/organisations/attorney-generals-office
The Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice has responsibility for different parts of the justice system – the courts, prisons, probation services and attendance centres. Its work spans criminal, civil and family justice, democracy, rights and the constitution.
The Ministry of Justice is a ministerial department, supported by 32 agencies and public bodies.
More information: gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice
The Home Office
The Home Office is the lead government department for immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, fire, counter-terrorism and police.
More information: gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office
His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service
His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service carries out sentences given by the courts, in custody and the community and rehabilitates people in through education and employment.
More information: gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-prison-and-probation-service
His Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI
His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) inspects the work carried out by the CPS and other prosecuting agencies. Their purpose is to enhance the quality of justice and make an assessment of prosecution services that enables or leads to improvement in their efficiency effectiveness and fairness.
More information: justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmcpsi
The Judiciary
The Judiciary is made up of judges, magistrates, tribunal members, and coroners. Together, they uphold the rule of law.
Judges and other members of the judiciary oversee cases, in different types of courts and tribunals and in different areas of law across the country.
More information: judiciary.uk
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