What is the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)?
The CPS is the independent authority responsible for deciding the charge based on the evidence collected by the police, and for prosecuting people charged with criminal offences in England and Wales. The CPS is a public service and prosecutes defendants on behalf of the public, not just the victim. They work with the police to ensure that the right charges are laid and prosecute where there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.
