Crown Prosecution Service
From SR
Roles
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), set up in 1986, is the Government Department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales. The CPS are an independent body that works closely with the police.
In undertaking this role, the CPS:
- Advises the police on cases for possible prosecution
- Reviews cases submitted by the police for prosecution
- Where the decision is to prosecute, determines the charge in all but minor cases
- Prepares cases for court
- Presents those cases at court
Structure
With headquarters based in London, York and Birmingham, we operate under a structure of 42 geographical Areas in England and Wales, divided into 15 regional groups. These Areas correspond with the boundaries of 43 police forces in England and Wales with The CPS London Area covering the operational boundaries of both City of London and Metropolitan Police Forces. Each Area is headed by a Chief Crown Prosecutor (CCP) who is responsible for prosecutions within the Area.
The head of the Crown Prosecution Service is the Director of Public Prosecutions (the Director) Sir Ken Macdonald QC.
