Written question asked by Graham Allen (Labour) on Monday, 1 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Harman (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To ask the Solicitor General, if she will conduct a pilot project to locate Crown Prosecution Service prosecutors in police stations to provide a 24-hour on-site charging capability.

Answer: Mr. Allen: To ask the Solicitor-General if she will conduct a pilot project to locate Crown Prosecution Service prosecutors in police stations to provide a 24- hour on-site charging capability. [196230] The Solicitor-General: Crown prosecutors are already located in police stations in the 13 areas where most recorded crime takes place, along with Cleveland. They are available between 9am and 5pm. Out of hours cover for all areas with a statutory charging scheme is provided by CPS Direct, a centralised telephone advice service staffed by experienced prosecutors, operating from 5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, and 24 hours at weekends and bank holidays. While there are no current plans to provide 24 hour presence in police stations, the CPS and ACPO are working together to consider the introduction of more face-to-face-charging advice locally at weekends and during the evenings.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 196230; 426 c957W;426 c961W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Criminal proceedings Cooperation Crown Prosecution Service Pilot schemes Police Prosecutions Location Police stations
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk