| answer text |
<p>The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) recognise that deaths caused by driving offences
are particularly tragic cases and ensuring that the victim’s family is appropriately
informed and supported in the aftermath is incredibly important.</p><p> </p><p>Crown
Prosecutors must always adhere to the two-stage test set out in the Code for Crown
Prosecutors when making charging decisions in any case. This means first objectively
assessing whether the evidential threshold is met, and if this aspect of the test
is satisfied, going on to consider whether a prosecution is required in the public
interest.</p><p> </p><p>The CPS operates a Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) Scheme which
enables close relatives of a person whose death was directly caused by criminal conduct
to seek a review of a CPS decision not to bring a prosecution, or to discontinue a
case. This scheme has been designed to be as accessible as possible, with no obligation
on a victim’s family to make specific representations relating to the CPS decision,
it is sufficient to simply ask that the decision be reviewed.</p><p> </p><p>The CPS
also has specific guidance and practices which deliver an enhanced standard of service
to bereaved families, in recognition of the particularly difficult nature of these
cases. This will include offering a meeting with the victim’s family to explain any
CPS decision not to charge, and at various other stages of a case.</p><p> </p><p>Improving
the experience of victims of crime is a priority for the CPS and last year it commissioned
independent research to better understand what victims want and need; and to identify
areas for improvement. On the 27 June, the CPS published its response to the research
findings, setting out four key areas of action which will form the basis of a long-term
programme of work to improve how it engages with victims.</p>
|
|
