Charging and case referral

Guidance on receiving case files and making charging or prosecution decisions where the CPS is authorised to do so.

Police and other authorised investigating bodies should submit a clear case file containing the alleged offence, evidence, relevant records, known safeguarding issues, jurisdiction and any required authorisation.

The CPS checks whether it is the competent prosecutor, whether the file is sufficiently complete and whether another prosecutor or legal authority is engaged. Serious or complex fraud and corruption may require referral to the Serious Fraud Office.

A charge, prosecution or consent must not be created by a website entry or administrative label; it must be supported by the applicable law and procedure.