Your article 'CPS charging scheme descends into chaos' is based entirely on anecdote rather than factual evidence (see [2004] Gazette, 11 November, 1).


The charging initiative is the latest in a series of major projects introduced jointly by the Crown Prosecution Service and the police, on time and on schedule, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system, and to ensure that more offences are brought to justice. The project board is chaired jointly by the CPS and the Association of Chief Police Officers.


The charging scheme was thoroughly tested before implementation and demonstrated considerable benefits in reducing the proportion of discontinued cases by 69% and in increasing the guilty plea rate by 30%. The scheme's effect on the numbers of cases being charged is an important subject, not least because eliminating non-viable cases is one of its main objectives. There is no evidence across the 14 areas overall of general reduction in numbers being charged or in charges being lowered. More of the cases that proceed to a charge are resulting in an offender being brought to justice.


Overall, the charging initiative is going well and to date 14 areas, which include the government's 13 priority areas for criminal justice, have now moved over to statutory charging. This equates to 60% of our work. Roll-out is continuing and the full benefits will not be realised until completion. However, the latest data indicates that these benefits are being met or exceeded.



Ken Macdonald QC, director of Public Prosecutions; Chief Constable John Burbeck, head of criminal justice systems business area for the Association of Chief Police Officers