CPS Direct Communication with Victims

The Code for Crown Prosecutors states ‘It is important that a victim is told about a decision which makes a significant difference to the case in which he or she is involved.’ Since April 2001, the Crown Prosecution Service has been rolling out a programme of direct communication with victims whereby explanations of Crown Prosecution Service decisions to drop or alter charges substantially will be provided in all cases with an identifiable victim. A substantial alteration to a charge is defined as ‘a change which, in the opinion of the Crown Prosecutor, alters the overall seriousness of the case and which is likely to affect the sentence the court would impose if the defendant were convicted of all charges’. In determining seriousness, Crown Prosecutors will take into account the maximum penalty permissible by law.

The Crown Prosecution Service will normally do this by letter within five days of the decision being taken. The Crown Prosecution Service will offer meetings, if a further explanation is required, in the following case categories:

• cases involving a death;
  
• child abuse;
  
• sexual offences; or
  
• racially aggravated offences.