Publications & resources

Casework Quality Standards

Introduction These standards are issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Equalities in Employment

The CPS has made significant progress on equality in employment in recent years. The CPS is committed to further progressing equality in employment and to developing a high performing prosecution service which utilises and values diversity at all levels.

Pre-trial witness interviews

Prosecution lawyers have to decide whether or not cases should go to trial. In order to do this they have to go through the evidence collected by the police and make sure they understand it.

After the trial

After the trial the Witness Care Unit will inform you of the outcome of your case.

Before the trial

Before the day of the trial it is a good idea to find out as much as you can about what will happen and what is expected of you.

The court case

Magistrates' court Most criminal cases are heard in a magistrates' court. The magistrates are usually people who live in the local community, sometimes called justices of the peace. There are usually three magistrates who are supported by a legally trained advisor.

Investigation

The next stage is investigation, where the police gather evidence. The police may ask you to tour the area where the offence happened to help identify the offender. They may also ask you to look at photographs or attend an identity parade.

Keeping you informed

Once a charge has been brought the police will pass your file on to your local Witness Care Unit. They ensure that victims and witnesses are kept at the centre of the criminal justice system.

Victim's personal statement

In addition to giving a witness statement you can, if you want to, give a victim's personal statement.

Victims and Witnesses