The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) is the principal prosecuting authority in Northern Ireland. The PPS makes prosecution decisions in cases investigated by the police in Northern Ireland. It also considers cases investigated by other statutory authorities, such as HM Revenue and Customs.
The PPS is led by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for Northern Ireland Stephen Herron. The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Michael Agnew has the same powers as the Director but must exercise these subject to the DPP’s direction and control. Both posts are public appointments made by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland. You can read more about the Director, Deputy Director and other members of the senior management team by clicking on the link below.
Biographies - senior management team
The PPS was established in June 2005. The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 defines the PPS, its statutory duties and responsibilities, and the legislative framework within which it must provide its services.
Since the devolution of policing and justice to the Northern Ireland Assembly in April 2010, the Service has been designated as a non-ministerial government department. Funding for the PPS is provided by the Northern Ireland Assembly and, as Accounting Officer for the Service, the Director is responsible for ensuring that the public monies provided are used efficiently. All staff, other than the Director and Deputy Director, are members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
You can find out more about the structure of the PPS at the link below: