The criminal justice service covers everyone who works to deliver justice – from the police to the Crown Prosecution Service, the courts, the prisons and probation.
In London, the key agencies involved in delivering the criminal justice service include:
The British Transport Police is the national police force for the railways and the underground providing a policing service to rail operators, their staff and passengers throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Visit their website.
The main role of London's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is to prosecute people charged with a criminal offence. CPS lawyers determine the charge in all but minor cases. They review the evidence gathered by police and decide whether the case should go to court. Visit their website.
The City of London Police is responsible for the safety of everyone within London’s ‘Square Mile’ – from the people who live, work and visit the City of London to the thousands of businesses located within the Square Mile. Visit their website.
The Greater London Authority (GLA) is a unique form of strategic citywide government for London. It is made up of a directly elected Mayor - the Mayor of London - and a separately elected Assembly - the London Assembly. Visit their website.
The remit of Her Majesty’s Courts Service is to deliver justice effectively and efficiently to the public. It is responsible for managing the magistrates' courts, the Crown Court, county courts, the High Court and Court of Appeal in England and Wales. Visit their website.
Her Majesty's Prison Service manages the prison service in England and Wales. The agency’s duty is to look after prisoners with humanity and help them to lead law-abiding and useful lives in custody and after release. Visit their website.
The Legal Services Commission (LSC) looks after the legal aid scheme in England and Wales. Legal aid helps ensure access to justice by providing high quality advice, information and representation to people who would not otherwise be able to afford it. Visit their website.
Much of the work of London Councils consists of lobbying the government and others on behalf of their member councils, not just for a fair share of resources, but also to protect and enhance council powers to enable them to do the best possible job for their residents and local businesses. Visit their website.
London Probation Trust works with offenders to protect the public and reduce re-offending in London. The agency works with offenders at every stage of their sentence, providing detailed reports on offenders to the courts, ensuring offenders complete community orders, working with offenders released from prison on licence to ensure they adhere to their licence conditions, and helping offenders resettle into the community. Visit their website.
The main purpose of the Metropolitan Police Authority is to monitor and scrutinise the Metropolitan Police Service and to ensure an effective and efficient police service for all Londoners. Visit their website.
The Metropolitan Police Service is responsible for policing across greater London, servicing an area of 620 square miles and a population of 7.2 million people. Visit their website.
The Youth Justice Board oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales. It works to prevent offending and re-offending by children and young people under the age of 18. They ensure that custody for them is safe, secure, and addresses the causes of their offending behaviour. Visit their website.
Victim Support is an independent charity for people affected by crime. Staff and volunteers offer free and confidential information, practical help and emotional support to witnesses, victims of crime and to their families and friends. Visit their website.
