About the Public Prosecution Service
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS), which was established in June 2005, is the principal prosecuting authority in Northern Ireland. The PPS makes prosecution decisions in cases investigated by the police in Northern Ireland. It also considers cases investigated by other statutory authorities, such as HM Revenue and Customs.
The PPS is comprised of a talented and committed team of around 500 colleagues who have one shared aim: to provide the people of Northern Ireland with a prosecution service that is independent, fair and effective. We all play a significant role in achieving that aim, whether we are a public prosecutor, a staff member in one of our Corporate Services teams, or any of the crucial administrative support teams who keep the PPS working smoothly.
The PPS consists of various different business areas, based across four locations, with offices in Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Newry and a satellite office in Omagh.
Northern and Western Region
The Northern and Western Region, which is based in Derry/Londonderry, with satellite offices in Belfast and Omagh, covers courts in Limavady, Coleraine, Derry/Londonderry, Strabane, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Omagh and Magherafelt.
Staff in this region deal with all offence types sent to the PPS, except those specialised cases that are allocated to the Serious Crime Unit, Fraud and Departmental, Central Casework or High Court and International sections.
The team also includes administrative support staff in Casework Support, Court Support, Case Prep, and the Crown Room.
Casework Support
The main role of Casework Support AO staff is to issue documentation resulting from prosecution decisions, including issuing summonses and other court papers. The team also processes prosecution files submitted by other Civil Service Departments, such as the Health & Safety Executive, and from other agencies, such as the Police Ombudsman and the Harbour Police.
Court Support
Court Support AO staff are responsible for the preparation of all papers for the magistrates’ court (for all listing types), including following up outstanding actions arising from previous hearings, and provision of all material to court prosecutors or counsel, if appropriate. Court Support AO staff also attend court in support of prosecutors (and counsel) and act as a liaison, as required, between the PPS and Northern Ireland Courts & Tribunal Service (NICTS), PSNI and witnesses etc. Court Support AO staff assist with the agreement of adjourned court dates, handle queries from defence representatives, keep PPS file material secure and prepare same for courier collection. They also assist with the progression of post-court activity, including liaising with Victim & Witness Care Unit and following up requested information from, for example, the PSNI or Forensic Science NI.
Case Prep
The Case Prep team looks after the preparation and issue of papers and file bundles needed for Preliminary Enquiry at the Magistrates’ Court and for any subsequent trial at Crown Court, along with other functions such as the production of committal briefs and briefs for counsel. The Case Prep AOs are tasked with printing and preparing the papers, the chasing up of material which has not been provided by the investigating authority, but which will be required at preliminary enquiry, and also with providing general support to prosecutors in the effective preparation of case files for Crown Court.
Crown Room
The Crown Room team prepares cases for trial in the Crown Court, ensuring that the relevant documentation and information is available for Counsel and PPS colleagues and that the necessary pre and post court activities are undertaken. Crown Room staff act as the primary link between Counsel and the PPS. Crown Room AO staff prepare Indictable files for Arraignment, detail the Investigating PSNI Officer and type up court result sheets.
Other duties include preparing and issuing legal documentation such as Victim Impact Reports, various court applications, allocating and briefing counsel, maintaining departmental files, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
Victim & Witness Care Unit
The Victim & Witness Care Unit (VWCU) was established in 2012, and its primary role is to provide a single point of contact within the criminal justice system to keep victims and witnesses fully informed of the progress of their case throughout the criminal justice process. VWCU can also make referrals to other service providers if additional support is required.
Uniquely, VWCU is staffed by both PPS and PSNI administrative staff in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, who all perform the role of case officer, covering all of NI.
VWCU AO Case Workers play a vital role in supporting victims and witnesses throughout their journey in the criminal justice process. They are responsible for communicating sensitively and promptly in line with the Victim Charter, conducting needs assessments, and coordinating support services with statutory and voluntary agencies. Their work aims to ensure that victims and witnesses are informed, supported, and prepared for court proceedings.
VWCU AO Case Workers liaise with prosecutors, police officers, and other justice partners to manage witness attendance, issue legal documentation, and arrange interpretation and travel services.
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