Requesting a Review of a Decision Not to Prosecute

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The Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPS), which is headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, is the principal prosecuting authority in Northern Ireland. In addition to taking decisions as to prosecution in cases investigated by the police, it also considers cases investigated by other statutory authorities, such as HM Revenue and Customs.

The public should be able to rely on decisions as to prosecution taken by the PPS. Generally, if the PPS tells a suspect that there will not be a prosecution, that is the end of the matter and the case will not start again.

However, if you are the victim of a crime, we understand the impact this can have on you, your family and your way of life. That’s why you have a right to ask us to review a decision we have taken not to prosecute. This guide sets out the steps you should take to make such a request.