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Press Release

Police stations phone advice pilot to be extended

Friday 11 August 2006

A pilot service giving legal advice to clients by phone in police stations has hit its targets and will save the taxpayer £5.6 million per annum, according to a Legal Services Commission’s (LSC) report out today.

The LSC’s report on the first six months of the pilot of Criminal Defence Service Direct (CDS Direct), recommends the pilot continues running, and outlines a number of benefits for solicitors, the police and the LSC including:

• Solicitors will not be called out in the middle of the night when a client requests legal advice but no interview is planned until the next morning
• Increased value for taxpayers’ money
• The provision of significant management information that will assist the smooth running of the Criminal Justice System

CDS Direct gives advice to people detained for more minor offences at police stations across England and Wales where the matter could be dealt with using telephone advice only, such as driving with excess alcohol or a warrant.

John Sirodcar, Head of Direct Services, said: "The LSC is committed to ensuring we obtain the best value for money for the services we fund.  The CDS Direct pilot has allowed us to test a new method of service delivery that reduces unnecessary duty solicitor visits at police stations, which drain solicitors called out in the middle of the night as well as public funds. Solicitors, police and custody staff have given us valuable feed back that will enable the service to develop in an even more efficient and user-friendly way."

The CDS Direct pilot also received the endorsement of Lord Carter of Coles in his review of legal aid procurement:

"All requests for advice at the police station should go through the duty solicitor call centre. CDS Direct will also be rolled out subject to a review of the evaluation evidence."

The LSC will publish further information on the development of CDS Direct as its thinking moves forward and as a result of the current consultation on Lord Carter’s proposals.

-ENDS-

Media seeking further information can contact:

Michaela Keating (020 7759 0444)
Press Officer, Legal Services Commission 

Notes to Eds:

1. A copy of the Evaluation of the Criminal Defence Service Direct Pilot is available on the LSC Website

 

Last updated: 28 December 2006