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CPS charging system "inefficient" CPS charging system "inefficient"
(20 minutes later)
Increasing numbers of suspects are being released on police bail because of delays in making charging decisions, a report has warned.Increasing numbers of suspects are being released on police bail because of delays in making charging decisions, a report has warned.
The study comes after responsibility for charging serious offences was transferred from the police to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The study comes after responsibility for charging in the most serious cases was transferred from the police to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
It says new procedures in England and Wales have delivered some benefits but are also "complex and inefficient".It says new procedures in England and Wales have delivered some benefits but are also "complex and inefficient".
Long bail terms are said to increase the risk of re-offending.Long bail terms are said to increase the risk of re-offending.
The report reviews the new charging procedures for more serious and contested cases in England and Wales, which were phased in from 2004.The report reviews the new charging procedures for more serious and contested cases in England and Wales, which were phased in from 2004.
It has been carried out by the Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Inspectorate for the Crown Prosecution ServiceIt has been carried out by the Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Inspectorate for the Crown Prosecution Service
HesitationHesitation
The study found that among the benefits of the new system were better-quality decisions and fewer weak cases going to court.The study found that among the benefits of the new system were better-quality decisions and fewer weak cases going to court.
But the two inspectorates also said the new procedures are "inconsistent, overly-complex and inefficient".But the two inspectorates also said the new procedures are "inconsistent, overly-complex and inefficient".
This has led to delays, with "significant" numbers of suspects being granted bail by police, after arrest, while a decision is made on whether or not to prosecute.This has led to delays, with "significant" numbers of suspects being granted bail by police, after arrest, while a decision is made on whether or not to prosecute.
Some suspects are bailed for several months and the inspectorates say a more "flexible common sense" approach is needed.Some suspects are bailed for several months and the inspectorates say a more "flexible common sense" approach is needed.
But they are not in favour of the Conservatives' proposal to restore charging discretion to the police for all cases tried in magistrates courts.But they are not in favour of the Conservatives' proposal to restore charging discretion to the police for all cases tried in magistrates courts.