Minutes:
Leonie-Jane introduced herself to the Youth Forum and gave a brief overview of her role/job. The Crown Prosecution Service The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales. The CPS is independent, and we make our decisions independently of the police and government.
Our duty is to make sure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offence, and to bring offenders to justice wherever possible.
The CPS:
· decides which cases should be prosecuted.
· determines the appropriate charges in more serious or complex cases and advises the police during the early stages of investigations.
· prepares cases and presents them at court; and
· provides information, assistance and support to victims and prosecution witnesses.
Prosecutors must be fair, objective, and independent. When deciding whether to prosecute a criminal case, our lawyers must follow the Code for Crown Prosecutors. This means that to charge someone with a criminal offence, prosecutors must be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction, and that prosecuting is in the public interest.
The CPS works closely with the police, courts, the Judiciary, and other partners to deliver justice.
Aim today was to ask the forum members thoughts on the Race Action Plan, improve experiences for black individuals, how can we turn it around, what can we do to improve? Police Race Action Plan | College of Policing Police Race Action Plan: Improving policing for Black people (college.police.uk) Disproportionate use of police powers: A spotlight on stop and search and the use of force (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk)
4 Workstreams:
1. Represented (Internal culture and inclusivity)
2. Not over Policed (use of Powers)
3. Involvement (Community)
4. Not under-protected against victimisation.
Changes have happened but would like the views of members and the community.
· Pulled over in a car: NOW have to be documented, previously Police did not have to record.
· If pulled over, can ask for a female officer to attend. Check they are who they say they are, just ask for the badge number, ring 101.
Questions / Observations
Do officers who get interviewed / disciplined – is this available publicly? Advised internal processes but if disciplinary stage, this is in the public domain.
Make the Race Action Plan more public - should be shared to the community, schools, places of worship – need to build up on trust.
Asked if Police with a good record get a thank you or is it recorded anywhere?
Action: All to review the Police Race Action Plan and share any questions / thoughts to AL/JW. Discussed County Lines and Cuckooing. LJW gave a brief overview of each area. Signs to look out for. Report a crime | Northamptonshire Police (northants.police.uk) Agreed for LJW to attend a further sessions. Brief discussion on careers
Useful links to share to Youth Forum members
Safer nights out | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk) IT ONLY TAKES ONE CAMPAIGN It Only Takes One
Flare Report app | Northamptonshire Police (northants.police.uk)
Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)