Police Led Prosecutor (FTC/Secondment until the 31st March 2025)

An exciting opportunity has arisen with Criminal Justice Services to join the Police Led Prosecutions team in a Secondment until the 31st March 2025.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. To review court files prior to court to ensure the evidential threshold test has been met.
2. To have up to date knowledge of force policies and legislation to specified proceedings and provide advice on these when required.
3. To interpret and apply Criminal and Traffic Law to assess the quality of files.
4. To present any specified offences in accordance with The Prosecution of Offence Act 1985 (Specified Proceedings Order) 1999 specified offence list 1985 in court as part of the Police Led Prosecution team.
5. To liaise with defendants at court and other agencies.
6. To work outside of the court to ensure efficiency and the smooth running of the courts.
7. To compile statistics and management information in relation to specified proceedings as required.
8. Attend and actively contribute to meetings representing the Police Led Prosecution Manager when necessary, focusing on improving performance and ensuring that decisions are communicated and actioned appropriately.
9. To have the responsibility of supervision for a small team of Police Led Prosecution Assistants.
10. The Police Led Prosecutors will report directly to the Police Led Prosecution Manager.

Specific Role Responsibilities:

1. Manage, review and progress specified cases; ensure all relevant checks have been carried out prior to first hearing and information is available to support WMP prosecution.
2. Ensure IT equipment remains ready for use in court.
3. Attend Magistrates' Court, present cases in the courtroom including facts and guidance to HMCTS.
4. As part of the Police Led Prosecution Team you will:
5. Manage adjournments and comply with the Preparation for Effective Trial Hearing Form.
6. Comply with the latest version of the Criminal Procedure Rules.
7. Apply for court costs on behalf of WMP.
8. Withdraw/Offer No Evidence cases in court on behalf of WMP.
9. To undertake a variety of management and administrative tasks including:
10. Manage defendants, exceptional hardship cases and special reason hearings.
11. Re-serve any additional MG11 on the defendant/defence advocate and complete the administrative function of any applications to vacate.
12. To maintain files outside of the courtroom to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the courts in preparation for all hearings.
13. Check defendant's documentation with external bodies such as MIB and PNC.
14. Assist with legal arguments and the preparation for an effective trial hearing for CPS, which may involve requesting further enquiries to be made.
15. Respond to enquiries from members of the public, HMCTS and defence representatives in writing.
16. Liaise with partner agencies to ensure that points of law are clarified and requests for further information are dealt with to ensure swift and sure justice is delivered.
17. To monitor the PLP e-mail account.
18. To carry out any other duties commensurate with the purpose and grading of the post that may be required.

Knowledge, Skills and Delivery:

1. Law Degree and/or a Member of the Institute of Legal Executive (Level 4 Criminal Law).
2. Comprehensive knowledge and experience of interpreting and applying Criminal and Traffic Law to assess the quality of associated files of evidence and making sound disposals decisions.
3. Knowledge of current Criminal and Road Traffic Legislation and rules of evidence.
4. Recent evidence of working effectively in the Criminal Justice Systems, particularly in relation to involvement in court procedures and protocols.
5. Experience of presenting evidence in court (including supporting legal argument where required).
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills to provide guidance and influence at all levels on matters appertaining to the role.
7. Confident public speaker.
8. Experience of interviewing members of the public.
9. Evidence of successfully planning and progressing a series of work within guidelines.
10. Evidence of being able to work without direct supervision and under pressure to ensure deadlines are adhered to.
11. To compile statistics and management information in relation to specified proceedings as required.
12. Able to use IT and software packages.
13. Able to work without direct supervision and make complex decisions without the need to refer for guidance.

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter-Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Hours: The hours of work are 36.5hrs a week at times agreed by management. Duties may vary according to local operational needs. Monday to Friday 7am - 5pm.

Location: Lloyd House, Birmingham.

Interviews: TBD.

Contact: For further information regarding this role, please contact Kirsty Wood at kirsty.wood@westmidlands.police.uk.

By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:

• Fair remuneration with progression opportunities, and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
• Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
• Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
• A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs.

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment, we operate a 'Disability Confident Interview Scheme' - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.