What is the Crown Prosecution Service?

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is a government department responsible for the prosecution of all but about 20% of criminal cases in magistrates and crown courts. The CPS reviews the criminal cases instituted by the police to ensure that there is sufficient evidence to proceed and that it is in the public interest to do so. At the head of the CPS is the director of public prosecutions (DPP) who is politically independent, but accountable through the attorney general to Parliament. The post of DPP was created in 1880 after years of pressure from prominent figures dissatisfied with the existing system under which criminal cases were only brought to court by private citizens employing their own lawyers. The first DPP, Sir John Maule, had a limited role in conducting cases and was primarily concerned with advising the newly formed police forces only on the more difficult or serious cases. Then the police set up their own teams of in-house prosecuting lawyers. This combined power of investigation, collation and prosecution increasingly became seen as unfair and inappropriate, and three Royal Commissions eventually led to the establishment of the CPS in 1986. The CPS now employs nearly 9,000 staff, including around 2,800 lawyers and has around 100 branch offices nationwide.

What is the role of the CPS lawyer?

All prosecution work undertaken by the CPS is performed by solicitors or barristers known as 'crown prosecutors'. Teams of lawyers, with the help of administrative staff, ensure that all relevant facts and evidence to support cases are available for presentation by CPS lawyers in the magistrates' courts. More serious cases are prosecuted in the crown court by barristers instructed by CPS staff. Even though every case is unique, there are general principles that apply in all cases, and crown prosecutors must make their decisions without any prejudice. It is their duty to ensure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offence and that all relevant facts are given to the court.

Training at the CPS

If you have an interest in criminal law, and have the potential to be a good advocate, then the CPS may be an excellent alternative to private practice. Assisting CPS lawyers during training you are likely to be frequently in court, and will spend some time preparing files for all offences. The CPS trainee scheme is currently advertised one year in advance of the start date so applicants need to have completed the LPC or BVC, or be in the final year of study to start the following October. Trainee solicitors will serve between six and eight months in private practice to gain experience in two other seats of law. Pupils can serve the full 12 months with the CPS but will spend one month in chambers to gain experience of the independent Bar.

On completion of successful training, the CPS trainee will be appointed as a crown prosecutor on admission. Options to move into private practice, industry or other institutions (governmental or otherwise) are always open. 

Why join the CPS?

The CPS offers an interesting and rewarding career option to those who wish to work within the criminal justice system in the United Kingdom. With a considerable emphasis on advocacy, the workload is quite different to that of private practice. With branch offices all over the United Kingdom, the CPS offers the usual benefits of employment with a large organisation. The CPS offers good training, a commitment to equal opportunities, options for part-time work, job sharing and career breaks. CPS posts are permanent and pensionable.

Earnings

Trainees: £18,605 national (£19,621 London). 

How to apply

Please see the Crown Prosecution Service page.