Lawyers working within the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have welcomed the news that they will soon have the opportunity to move into a specialist role aimed at cracking down on serious and organised crime.

Speaking this week at an international conference set up by the CPS and the Customs & Excise Prosecutions Office in London, Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald QC said prosecutors would play a key role in the new Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), which is aimed at clamping down on offences such as drug and people trafficking, terrorism and fraud. The Attorney-General, Lord Goldsmith, told delegates the government was fed up that such offences cost the UK £20 billion a year and was looking to the CPS to help out.


Mr Macdonald said he would channel a section of CPS staff into dealing with the new powers awarded to SOCA, which will include issuing disclosure notices requiring individuals to answer questions and supply documents, and working with offenders who are prepared to give evidence against other perpetrators with a view to providing them with immunity from prosecution or handing them a reduced sentence.


Macdonald: CPS recognition

Prosecutors will be responsible for advising SOCA on matters such as extradition, obtaining evidence from abroad, asset recovery and providing targeted victim and witness care. Mr Macdonald said he also wanted to see greater use of CPS lawyers practising advocacy in SOCA trials.

'I am particularly pleased that the government has recognised the [importance] of SOCA receiving high-calibre, independent legal services,' he told delegates.


Kris Venkatasami, CPS convenor for prosecutor's union the First Division Association, welcomed the moves. 'This is a good idea and it should have happened a long time ago,' he said. 'It is an exciting opportunity for our members in terms of career development.'