Written question asked by Graham Allen (Labour) on Monday, 1 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Harman (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To ask the Solicitor General, what preliminary conclusions she has reached on the impact of the charging initiative of basing Crown Prosecution Service prosecutors in police stations; and if she will make a statement. - Inc list.

Answer: Mr. Allen: To ask the Solicitor-General what preliminary conclusions she has reached on the impact of the charging initiative of basing Crown Prosecution Service prosecutors in police stations; and if she will make a statement. [196229] The Solicitor-General: Evaluation of the shadow charging initiative has demonstrated clear benefits in terms of cases moving more effectively and effectively through the criminal justice system, and ensuring that, more offences are brought to justice. Early consultation between police officers and crown prosecutors, including those based in police stations means it is more likely that: Charges are right first time Inappropriate cases are weeded out early Delays for victims and witnesses are reduced Discontinuances are reduced Guilty pleas increase Conviction rates increase, bringing more offenders to justice The CPS, the police and the courts gain capacity and the CIS gains efficiency

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 196229; 426 c1703-4W;426 c1707-8W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Arrests Crown Prosecution Service Offenders Police Prosecutions Charging initiative
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk