Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice System consists of law enforcement agencies, the courts service, and agencies responsible for detaining and supervising offenders, such as prison and probation services. The Ministry of Justice oversees the work of these agencies.

His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HPPS) - until April 2017 known as the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) - delivers offenders services: prisons, youth custody, and probation with the objective of protecting the public and reducing reoffending. This agency is responsible to the Ministry of Justice.

The Home Office has responsibility for the 43 police forces in England and Wales and the Attorney General has responsibility for the Crown Prosecution Service.

There have been several changes to the delivery of services with a reorganisation of the probation service and increased involvement of private and third sector organisations.

There has been an increased focus on issues to do with anti-social behaviour and youth offending, which has led to increased opportunities in these areas, but the sector has also been affected by cuts in public spending