Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland

The Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPSNI) is the department of the Northern Ireland Executive responsible for public prosecutions of people charged with criminal offences in Northern Ireland. It is headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland. Its role is similar to that of the longer-established Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in Scotland, and the Crown Prosecution Service in England and Wales. The PPSNI employs 50 Public Prosecutors and over 100 administrative staff.[1]

Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland
Logo of the Public Prosecution Service

Royal Courts of Justice, Belfast
Department overview
FormedJune 13, 2005 (2005-06-13)
Preceding Department
  • Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions
TypeNon-ministerial government department
JurisdictionNorthern Ireland
HeadquartersBelfast Chambers, 93 Chichester Street, Belfast, BT1 3JR
54°35′48″N 5°55′19″W / 54.59664°N 5.92206°W / 54.59664; -5.92206
MottoIndependent, Fair, Effective
Employees399.2 FTE (2020-21)
Annual budget£38.4 million (2020-21)
Department executive
Websitewww.ppsni.gov.uk

The Police Service of Northern Ireland investigate crimes. The PPSNI advise the police on possible prosecutions, authorise charge, review cases submitted by the police, prepare for and present cases in court.

It was established by the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002. Prior to its establishment the police themselves would prosecute most offences, with some being referred to the former Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland is appointed by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Our Structure". Public Prosecution Service. July 2019. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
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