Relationships between agencies in criminal justice system

• Police


  • Work with the courts to ensure the defendants, in custody, are brought before them
  • Often give evidence in court
  • Work with probation in the management of an offender
  • Work closely with the CPS in the charging and prosecution of offenders.
• Ministry of Justice


  Oversees the work of:

  • HM Courts and Tribunals Service
  • Probation Services
  • Prison Systems
• HM Courts and Tribunal Service


  Contributes, by the judiciary, to law creation through judicial precedent and statutory interpretation.

  Liaison with the police/independent security firms and prisons to ensure safe delivery of prisoners to court.

  Arrangements of video links if a prisoner is not to attend court for a hearing.

  Prisoners held in court cells pending their court hearing and return to prison.
• Crown Prosecution Service


  Advise the police on charging a suspect.

  Appear in courts to conduct the advocacy of a case.
• HM Prison Service


  Lawyers may seek visits to prisons for legal consultations.

  It is the judge who sets a term of imprisonment, including the length, type and whether it is concurrent or consecutive.

  Those defendants who have been denied bail by the police or courts will be remanded to prison.

  Work with probation services when a prisoner is to be released.
• National Probation Service


  Police will arrest a prisoner recalled while on probation and ensure return to prison.

  
  

  Liaison and preparation between agencies when prisoners are released.

  
  

  Overseeing prisoner once released if on license or parole.

  
  

  Liaison with police should there be any issues or recall to prison if appropriate.

  
  

  Overseeing all prisoners who have served a sentence of up to 2 years, and released on a license for a minimum of 12 months.
• Sentencing Council


  Works with judiciary and other legal professionals to produce guidelines on sentencing.
• Campaigns for Change


  Can liaise with various agencies for support to enable change to be effective.

  Sarah's Law: Worked with police on child sex offender disclosure scheme.

  Bobby Turnbull's campaign for a change in the gun licensing laws also liaised with the police.

  The Prison Reform Trust works with prisons and other agencies to improve the penal system.