Independent report welcomes work of CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division

The Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division (SCCTD) of the CPS has been recognised today (5 February) in an independent inspection report for its strong leadership and governance.

Inspectors reported that in the Division there was effective engagement with staff, strong aspects of leadership, and sound financial management. They also noted good visibility of senior leaders, and that good performance was recognised across the Division. The inspection examined governance, leadership and management but did not look at casework quality.

Jenny Hopkins, head of SCCTD, said: “I’m really pleased that the report recognises the strong leadership and governance in the Division.

“We prosecute some of the most sensitive and high profile cases that come before the courts so it is encouraging to have the management of the Division recognised.

“I want to thank staff for their hard work and professionalism.

“I believe the work we do alongside the police and others has made communities safer and that work will continue.”

The Division consists of three units specialising in different areas of law: Counter Terrorism, Special Crime and Appeals.

The Counter Terrorism unit deals with cases including terrorism, racial and religious incitement and war crimes.

Special Crime unit deals with cases including deaths in custody, disasters, corporate and medical manslaughter, election offences and assisted suicide.

The Appeals unit has conduct of Appeal cases, including cases in the Supreme Court to which the CPS is a party and has conduct of Victims Right to Review cases.

The HMCPSI report also found the Division:

• Consistently operates within its allocated budget and has sound budgetary controls in place. 
• Holds a significant specialist knowledge in aspects of law not routinely dealt with outside of the Division. 
• Produces legal guidance and updates that its shares across the CPS.  Work has taken place to capture learning from cases to inform future work.

The report today comes a week after another positive inspection report into the CPS’s International and Organised Crime Division published on 29 January. The HMCPSI found that Division which leads on major drugs and arms trafficking offences and others was held in high regard by internal and external stakeholders.