Disclosure - Joint statement from Alison Saunders, Director of Public Prosecutions and Sara Thornton, Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council

"Today we met with Chief Constables to discuss further how we can improve the disclosure process.

"This was a constructive and positive debate which reinforced the shared understanding we have of the issues and the importance of police officers and prosecutors up and down the country getting it right.  

"The police and the CPS recognise our vital role in ensuring there is a fair trial process in place to protect the society we serve. Proper disclosure is a vital part of a fair criminal justice process.

"There is widespread acknowledgement that disclosure issues are systemic and deep-rooted. This is a problem that all parts of the criminal justice system must address. We came together today to ensure we are doing all we can as quickly as we can. The discussion today follows up on a similar meeting of senior figures from the CJS last week.

"The CPS and police have already put a number of measures in place but we are clear that more must be done.

"That is why we will publish in the next few days a joint action plan which will set out what we have already done to improve the disclosure process and the further steps we will take.

"This plan will demonstrate the shared commitment of our two organisations to lead the way in making clear, effective and sustainable change to the way we exercise our important duties of disclosure."