CJS working together for the public

Greater Manchester Police are responsible for investigating crimes, arresting or reporting people reasonably suspected of committing crimes, and in preparing the prosecution case.

They may charge or caution people arrested.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is responsible for reviewing prosecution files sent by the police to decide whether or not a case should proceed, and what the correct charge should be. It is also responsible for preparing cases and prosecuting them at court.

There are five CPS offices in Greater Manchester.

The Probation Service advises the courts on the personal circumstances of those found guilty, the most suitable community sentence (if any) and the likelihood of the defendant re- offending. It also supervises offenders on community sentences, and those released from prison on licence after serving a sentence of 12 months or more.

Greater Manchester Probation Area employs 1,000 staff providing probation supervision, offender programmes and specialist services helping stop further offences.

Without the support of victims and witnesses it is likely that prosecutions will fail. Accordingly, Victim Support & Witness Service aims to ensure that victims and witnesses are given practical and emotional support before, during, and after a trial, with the aim of reassuring and empowering them so that they are able to attend court and give evidence.

Her Majesty's Courts Service is the criminal justice agency with responsibility for the Crown and Magistrates' Courts in England and Wales.

The Crown Court deals with more serious cases such as murder, rape or robbery, some of which are on appeal or referred from Magistrates' Courts. Trials are heard by a judge and a twelve person jury. Apart from people actually involved in the cases, members of the public may have to go to court as witnesses or to do jury service. There are three Crown Courts in Greater Manchester.

The vast majority of criminal cases are dealt with by the Magistrates’ Courts, and there are ten of these in Greater Manchester. They also deal with many civil cases. Cases are not heard by a jury, but usually by a panel of three volunteer "lay magistrates". A law professional will hear more complex cases.

The Prison Service is responsible for the detention of those offenders sentenced to serve jail sentences. They are charged with taking care of these prisoners, treating them with respect, and helping them to stop their criminal behaviour.

The Home Office are one of the three government departments responsible for the criminal justice system.

The Youth Justice Board is a body which works to reduce youth offending nationally. It is supported locally by Youth Offending Teams, of which there are ten in Greater Manchester. It also includes youth courts and youth custody centres.

The Crime Statistics website is managed by the Home Office and provides crime prevention advice and crime data at a local level.

The Youth Justice Trust is based in Manchester city centre. It works with other justice agencies to reduce crime, and also looks at long term strategies for preventing youth offending. It aims to help agencies work together better, to provide information on youth crime, and to establish effective ways of working throughout Manchester.