§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment he has made of the level of support within ACPO for his police reform programme, with particular reference to proposals relating to the responsibility for charging suspects. [12002]
§ Mr. DenhamMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I have regular discussions with members of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) on a variety of policing issues. It is evident from those meetings that there is broad support within the Association for the police reform programme.
865WThe proposal that responsibility for charging suspects should be transferred from the police to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was made by Sir Robin Auld in his Review of Criminal Courts, the report of which is now out to consultation. The views of the ACPO on this and other recommendations in the report are awaited.