New report finds CPS Cymru-Wales performing positively but failing to communicate properly with victims of crime

A new report into CPS Cymru-Wales Area by Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) has found that the Area is generally performing positively, particularly when it comes to managing resources.

Inspectors found that the Area was delivering value for money for its service users, with a lower cost per case than the CPS national average. For example, in the 12 months to December 2015, Cymru-Wales spent £430 per case whilst the national average was £602.

The Area also scored a ‘Good’ rating for managing performance and case preparation and progression. Inspectors found that the Area uses performance information to identify strengths and weaknesses well, and casework preparation and progression are both effective and timely.

However, inspectors found there was limited evidence of compliance with the Victims’ Code and policies on communications with victims. This meant that victims of crime or their bereaved family members often had no information about discontinuance of court proceedings or pleas.

Specifically, inspectors found:

• Victim Communication Letters (VCLs) were not sent out in over 45% of cases
• VCLs were sent out in a timely manner in only 50% of cases
• There was a general lack of empathy in letters; and
• Letters were sometimes sent out with the wrong information on outcomes.

Some prosecutors also chose to write their own letters as they found the templates inadequate.

Inspectors also found that over half the police files reaching the Area were not of sufficient quality but that little or no challenge or feedback is provided to the police forces.

Chief Inspector of HMCPSI Kevin McGinty said:

“While this was a positive report overall, ensuring high-quality and timely communication with victims is essential and the Area must improve from their current poor performance in this regard. Victims are at the heart of the criminal justice system and it is imperative that they be treated at all times with care and compassion.

“Our report makes a number of recommendations which I hope the Area will consider in order to help improve their performance in the future.”

Inspection Details

Inspectors gave the Area an overall score of GOOD on governance and value for money, and an overall score of FAIR for casework quality and service delivery for users.

Criteria	Score
Managing resources	Excellent
Managing performance	Good
Effectiveness of joint working	Fair
Compliance with disclosure requirements	Fair
Casework reviews and decisions	Fair
Case preparation and progression	Good
Communicating with victims	Poor

CPS Cymru-Wales has offices in Cardiff, Swansea and Mold and is aligned with Gwent, South Wales, Dyfed-Powys and North Wales police forces. It covers 22 magistrates’ courts and six Crown Court centres.

Inspectors examined 120 magistrates’ courts and Crown Court files finalised between September 2015 and March 2016. They spoke with CPS staff, relevant police forces and partner agencies, including those dealing with victims and witnesses. Fieldwork took place in May 2016. Court observations were undertaken to assess the effectiveness of case progression and victim and witness care at court.

This is the second in a series of rolling programmes of inspections that HMCPSI is conducting across the different CPS Areas.

More information
Adam Shortman – adam.shortman@attorneygeneral.gsi.gov.uk