Call For PSNI And Prosecution Service To Address Failings In Preparing Case Files

The PSNI and the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland need to address significant failings in preparing case files, according to the Chief Inspector for Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland.

Chief Inspector Brendan McGuigan recommended the police and prosecution should immediately establish a joint Prosecution Team to address poor practice and deliver change following the publication of Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland's (CJI's) latest report.

"With over 45,500 case files submitted by police officers to prosecutors in 2013-14, putting together a timely case file that is of sufficient quality to be considered for prosecution, and used to present evidence in court, is a fundamental strand of an efficient criminal justice system," said Mr McGuigan.

"When an incomplete file is submitted by the police because evidence has not been recorded or presented in a coherent way to meet the required standard, or problems arise when information is electronically transferred to prosecutors, it is the victims of crime and those people facing possible prosecution, who suffer as a result.

"Poor quality files lead to increased costs, court adjournments, avoidable delay and in the worst cases, prosecutions being discontinued, all of which weakens public confidence in the justice system.

"This inspection found one third of case files were either of an unsatisfactory or poor standard. We recommend a Prosecution Team, made up of representatives from both organisations, should deal with issues such as investigative standards, bail management and forensic strategy, case management and disclosure.

"This approach will clarify for police officers what information and evidence should be included in a case file and help set clear standards around file quality. It will also assist prosecutors to develop a consistent, proportional approach around the level of detail required to decide whether or not a case should be taken forward for prosecution."

Mr McGuigan revealed the inspection had identified weaknesses in the supervision of case files within the PSNI and problems in sending electronic case files from the PSNI to the PPS that needed to be addressed.

"Responsibility for quality assuring case files rests primarily with operational Sergeants working in local policing Districts. These officers need to be given the necessary time and support to give this task the attention it deserves.

"Similarly, it is vitally important that information sent electronically by police Occurrence Case Management Teams to the PPS, is successfully transmitted and the frustration created for both police officers and prosecutors when information is lost from a file, the document is corrupted or becomes confusing as a result of this process, is brought to an end."

(CD/LM)