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<p>In England and Wales the CPS decides which cases should be prosecuted, and then
prepares and presents them at court. Decisions are made in accordance with the Code
for Crown Prosecutors which requires both an evidential and public interest test to
be met before a prosecution can proceed.</p><p>The CPS will advise the police and
other investigators about possible lines of inquiry and evidential requirements, and
assist with pre-charge procedures. The CPS and police hold joint Prosecution Team
Performance Meetings where performance, including conviction rates, are discussed
and monitored. Local plans are put in place, where appropriate, to improve the outcomes
of cases that are charged and prosecuted.</p><p>In large-scale investigations, the
prosecutor may be asked to advise on the overall investigation strategy, to assist
the police and other investigators to enable them to complete the investigation within
a reasonable period of time and to build the most effective prosecution case. However,
prosecutors cannot direct the police or other investigators.</p>
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