Inspectors found 54% of files prepared by the PSNI "did not meet, or only partially met" standards, and there was a similar figure for PPS filesEvidence files of "poor quality" continue to contribute to delays in the Northern Ireland justice system, a report by an inspection body has found.It examined 200 files prepared by the police and Public Prosecution Service .When a crime is reported and sufficient evidence is collected the police send a file to the PPS.
"This inspection shows each organisation needs to focus on getting the basics right at each stage of case progression," she said. She added that clear targets needed to be introduced, as well as meaningful monitoring of performance.In a statement the PPS acknowledged that delay "is one of the biggest challenges facing the justice system".
"We have made significant efforts to improve timeliness in recent years and we are working with all our criminal justice partners on how further progress can best be delivered," said PPS deputy director Michael Agnew.