The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) charging programme has descended into 'chaos' because prosecutors have left criminals roaming the streets, solicitors warned this week.

Fears are growing that poor resources and training have left CPS staff working under the project downgrading charges and advising that dangerous suspects be released on bail without charge. The programme - where CPS lawyers take on responsibility for charging from the police - has so far proved extremely popular with all players in the system,


But Rodney Warren, director of the Criminal Law Solicitors Association, said things had turned sour because prosecutors were often too inexperienced and overworked. 'It has turned into chaos - and it is getting worse and worse around the country,' he warned. 'These problems need to be resolved through adequate resources and training.'


Steven Jonas, president of Birmingham Law Society, said he had seen a marked reduction in 'middle tier' offences such as burglaries and assaults. 'The police are so disenchanted by the whole thing, they appear not to be bothering to even arrest people,' he said. Mr Jonas added: 'If the charging levels are not brought up, smaller firms are going to suffer serious financial troubles.'


A CPS spokesman said it had committed 'significant resources' to the scheme, including more than 400 new lawyers since January 2003, and had already seen a drop in the number of discontinued cases and lower attrition rates.


'The CPS doesn't make decisions on whether a suspect should be released on bail, nor does it inappropriately downgrade charges,' he argued. All decisions are made in accordance with the CPS code, he added.


Kris Venkatasami, convenor for prosecutor's union the First Division Association, said there was a definite tension between the CPS and the police, who felt resentful about passing charging decisions onto lawyers. He agreed that more funding and training was required, but thought the programme was proving a success overall in terms of results.