Working for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
This is another government organisation. As the name suggests, it exists entirely for prosecution purposes. The CPS solicitor (or barrister) is responsible for reviewing and, where appropriate, prosecuting criminal cases following police investigation.
Each case reviewed is assessed for the existence of sufficient evidence, and then, whether the public interest is served by a prosecution. The CPS also advises the police on matters relating to criminal cases.
There are four main functions:
- Advising the police on cases for possible prosecution and the appropriate charges they carry
- Reviewing cases submitted by the police
- Preparing cases for the Magistrates' Court and the Crown Court
- Advocacy at court and where appropriate, the instruction of counsel in the Crown Court and higher Courts
Strong advocacy skills and a keen interest in criminal work are required. Spending some time in a CPS office would be advisable for those considering this area of work.
In 2005- 06, there were 10 training contracts registered by the CPS.
Alternative routes in would be to qualify with a solicitors’ firm specialising in criminal work and to join the CPS once qualified, or to join the CPS in an unqualified role and ‘work up’ via internal recruitment.
More information on the CPS is available from:
CPS Communications Branch
50 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7EX
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