Review CPS charging test to require fuller police investigation before charging

Summary

The Government must review the CPS charging process to require police to obtain all reasonably available evidence & pursue all resulting lines of inquiry before referral. The CPS charging test should also be changed to ensure fuller scrutiny of evidence & documentation before charges are authorised. We believe too many people are charged after incomplete and inadequate investigations because the CPS two-stage test is too broad and police often fail to obtain all reasonably available evidence or follow up all lines of inquiry. This can lead to huge financial cost, employment disruption, and reputational damage. Had evidence been properly gathered and pursued, it may have significantly changed the course of the investigation. The process must be reformed to ensure only properly supported cases proceed.

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Timeline

1. 11 March 2026

   Petition

   The Government must review the CPS charging process to require police to obtain all reasonably available evidence & pursue all resulting lines of inquiry before referral. The CPS charging test should also be changed to ensure fuller scrutiny of evidence & documentation before charges are authorised. We believe too many people are charged after incomplete and inadequate investigations because the CPS two-stage test is too broad and police often fail to obtain all reasonably available evidence or follow up all lines of inquiry. This can lead to huge financial cost, employment disruption, and reputational damage. Had evidence been properly gathered and pursued, it may have significantly changed the course of the investigation. The process must be reformed to ensure only properly supported cases proceed.

   Source: Petition

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