Crime Reduction - Helping to Reduce Crime in Your Arrea

Investigation and Prosecution

A key objective of the Sexual Violence and Abuse Action plan is to improve the criminal justice response to serious sexual offences. 

In 2002, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) published a joint thematic inspection report on the investigation and prosecution of rape offences. The report made a total of 18 recommendations and three suggestions to improve the investigation of rape cases by the police and the prosecution of rape cases by the CPS.

• Investigations of Allegations of Rape: HMIC Thematic Report

A follow-up inspection Without Consent was conducted jointly by HMIC and HMCPSI in 2007. Its purpose was to analyse and assess the quality of the investigation, decision-making and prosecution by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) of allegations of rape. In doing so, its aim was to ascertain, if possible, the reasons for the high attrition rate, and to identify good practice and make recommendations to address this.

• A Report on the Joint Inspection into the Investigation and Prosecution of cases Involving Allegations of Rape

We are following up the recommendations of this report through the Sexual violence and Abuse Action Plan.

The Crown Prosecution Service is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales. View the CPS rape policy on the handling if rape cases.

Last update: Thursday, October 15, 2009