Independent Prosecution Service: A View From the Shires (From Police: Powers, Procedures and Proprieties, P 230-236, 1986, John Benyon and Colin Bourn, eds. -- See NCJ-158031)

• NCJ Number: 158051
• Author(s): C Grenyer
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: Pergamon Press Limited
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

The Association of County Councils representing nonmetropolitan county councils in England and Wales does not favor government proposals embodied in the Prosecution of Offences Act of 1985.

Abstract

The association believes that local prosecuting solicitor's departments are preferable to the national Crown Prosecution Service specified in the Prosecution of Offences Act. Under the act, the Director of Public Prosecutions issues policies and practical guidance to ensure consistency and uniformity in prosecutions. The association is skeptical about whether the intended consistency can be achieved and is concerned about costs. Moreover, the association feels that prosecutoring solicitor's departments at the local level have become highly efficient under the impetus of local government policies. The association projects that a national police force will follow the national prosecution service and contends that the difference between a national police force and the military is difficult to distinguish. 5 notes