About us
The CPS is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police and other investigative authorities, in England and Wales.
The Crown Prosecution Service is the Government Department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales.
As the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales, we are responsible for:
- advising the police on cases for possible prosecution
- reviewing cases submitted by the police
- determining any charges in all but minor cases
- preparing cases for court
- presenting cases at court
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is an independent body, responsible for prosecuting people in England and Wales. Created by the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, the CPS works closely with the police to advise on lines of inquiry and to decide on appropriate charges or other disposals in all but minor cases. CPS prosecutors prepare cases for court and present cases in both the magistrates’ courts and, increasingly, in the higher courts.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is the head of the CPS; he is superintended by the Attorney General and accounts, through the Law Officers, to Parliament. The CPS’s Headquarters are in London and York.
The CPS has offices based on a structure of 42 geographical areas, corresponding to the 43 police forces in England and Wales. The CPS London Area covers the operational boundaries of both City of London Police and Metropolitan Police Service. The CPS incorporates the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office who are responsible for prosecuting major drug trafficking and tax fraud cases in the UK.