MPS using the Single Justice Procedure (SJP) process

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.041985

I note you seek access to the following information:

I would like to ask about prosecutions done by the Metropolitan Police using the single justice procedure (SJP) process

1. Forms - can you send me a copy of the prosecution notice sent to defendants. One example is sufficient.
2. Please send me any examples of letters sent to defendants pre prosecution.
3. Can you send me your prosecution code including details of how the public interest test is applied.
4. What vulnerability assessment do you make of defendants in single justice procedure cases?
5. What prosecution costs do you put forward to be paid by those convicted under the single justice procedure? How are these calculated?
6. Does the force receive fines imposed by the court? If so what proportion/amount?
7. What evidence do you send to defendants to back up your prosecution (you can take the example of two offence types).
8. What evidence do you have that the SJP notices have been received?
9. Are the offences you process under the SJP strict liability offences?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - Forms - can you send me a copy of the prosecution notice sent to defendants. One example is sufficient.

Please see below a redacted copy of the Single Justice Procedure notice, the MPS would normally send to defendants.

Q2 - Please send me any examples of letters sent to defendants pre prosecution.

The MPS do not send any pre prosecution letters apart from the NIP - Notice of Intended Prosecution or COFP – Conditional Offer Fixed Penalty.

Q3 - Can you send me your prosecution code including details of how the public interest test is applied.

There are numerous prosecution codes depending on the type of offence it is and all cases that come to us are in the public interest to proceed with and are vetted to make sure, that the evidence is correct etc.

Q4 - What vulnerability assessment do you make of defendants in single justice procedure cases?

The MPS do not do any vulnerability assessment of defendants.

Q5 - What prosecution costs do you put forward to be paid by those convicted under the single justice procedure? How are these calculated?

The MPS ask for £110 cost, but do not always get this, as it is down the Magistrate to decide on the fine, costs etc. The costs are aligned to the work undertaken to prepare the prosecution case, including police prosecution. It is a standard charge levied.

Q6 - Does the force receive fines imposed by the court? If so what proportion/amount?

No, The MPS do not receive any of the fine imposed by the court.

Q7 - What evidence do you send to defendants to back up your prosecution (you can take the example of two offence types).

Along with the SJP, we would send a copy of the officers MG11, any evidence including photos taken. A copy of a MG11, outlines whether a conditional offer or course offer was sent. If the case goes for trial, then they may also be body worn video.

Q8 - What evidence do you have that the SJP notices have been received?

All SJP’s are created and should be sent out, the same day by sent first class post. We have no actual proof that it has been received by defendant as it is not recorded, but Royal Mail First class letters should be delivered one day or next business day after they're dispatched and are deemed served then.

Q9 - Are the offences you process under the SJP strict liability offences?

All SJP offences can be proven in absence, hence we do not need to prove intent, therefore are strict liability offences.