Prison-related Offences
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This CPS prosecution guidance provides comprehensive instructions regarding the prosecution of various offences committed within prisons, emphasizing the distinction between internal disciplinary measures and police investigations. It outlines specific offences that prison governors should refer to the police, the application of the Code for Crown Prosecutors in such cases, and the public interest factors involved in prosecuting violent crimes against prison officers and others in custody. The document also details procedures for investigations, charging, and potential sentencing outcomes.
Key points
- Prison governors should refer serious offences to the police.
- The public interest is heightened for crimes against prison officers.
- A zero-tolerance approach to violence in prisons is enforced.
- Public interest considerations include the vulnerability of victims and the impact on prison discipline.
- Guidance is provided on specific offences, such as drug possession and weapon threats in prisons.
- Referral to police is mandated for serious assaults, including those involving serious injury.
Public-interest factors
- Impact on prison safety and order
- Vulnerability of victims
- Seriousness of the offence
- History of violence
- Evidence of gang involvement
- Disciplinary implications within the prison
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.