Petition · Ministry of Justice

Review CPS charging test to require fuller police investigation before charging

Open for signatures 17 signatures

What the petition asks

The Government must review the CPS charging process to require police to obtain all reasonably available evidence & pursue all resulting lines of inquiry before referral. The CPS charging test should also be changed to ensure fuller scrutiny of evidence & documentation before charges are authorised.
We believe too many people are charged after incomplete and inadequate investigations because the CPS two-stage test is too broad and police often fail to obtain all reasonably available evidence or follow up all lines of inquiry. This can lead to huge financial cost, employment disruption, and reputational damage. Had evidence been properly gathered and pursued, it may have significantly changed the course of the investigation. The process must be reformed to ensure only properly supported cases proceed.

Timeline

20 Apr 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 17
Status Open for signatures
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 20 Apr 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.