Your story ‘"Justice on the cheap" sparks outcry’ (See [2010] Gazette, 18 March, 1) paints a wholly inaccurate picture of Crown Prosecution Service associate prosecutors (APs).

Our cadre of APs have consistently shown that they are very effective in dealing with more straightforward criminal cases in the magistrates’ courts, freeing up lawyer-prosecutors to deal with more complex cases and associated hearings.

The increased use of these valued members of staff makes best use of our skilled and experienced workforce, and allows the CPS to use its resources efficiently. APs are exercising powers granted to them by parliament and the quality of their work was commended by the independent HMCPSI report on advocacy in 2009.

It is inaccurate to suggest that APs require no legal training to perform the role. To be selected each must go though a competitive exercise and show experience of casework within the criminal justice system, an aptitude for presentation, and a knowledge of criminal law, magistrates’ court practice and procedure, or possess a law degree or equivalent qualification.

And before APs can become members of the Institute of Legal Executives, they must complete training and pass an independent competency assessment. Those APs selected to prosecute trials complete even further training.

It is important to note that APs do not have the statutory power to prosecute trials in imprisonable offences and the CPS has no plans to seek such powers from parliament.

Mike Kennedy, Chief operating officer, CPS