#SIMPLIFYDG6
before they are sent to the CPS, saving thousands of officer hours every year”. The then Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, had said: “Labour will implement the commission’s common- sense recommendations to ensure the criminal justice system delivers for the people it is there to serve.” Mr Hudson said: “We are reminding the Government of the assurances they made when they were in the opposition.” The #SimplifyDG6
campaign was launched following the release of the Annual Review of Disclosure by the Attorney General’s Office on 26 May 2022. The review highlighted several shortcomings in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Disclosure Guidance 2020, which became effective on 1 January 2021. These shortcomings have placed additional pressures on police officers when submitting case files to the CPS for charging decisions. One of the primary issues identified by the PFEW is the extensive time and resources required for redacting case material at the pre-charge stage. The current guidance mandates that officers must ensure all personal information is
30 | POLICE | APRIL | 2025
redacted to comply with data protection laws, even when sharing information between collaborating agencies. This process is not only time-consuming but also detracts from the officers’ ability to focus on their core duties of investigating and solving crimes. Support for the campaign has been widespread. Within minutes of its launch in August 2023, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) expressed
framework.
“It is only through widespread support from MPs with a clear focus on legislative reform that the campaign can bring about significant positive changes in the criminal justice system.”
its support and within weeks issued amendments to the Joint Principles for Redaction. These revised principles, developed by the CPS and the NPCC Disclosure portfolio, set out a joint position on how to approach data protection responsibilities. The NPCC and CPS urged all chief constables and chief crown prosecutors to apply the revised guidance expecting to reduce the redaction burden while still complying with the existing legal
The PFEW has also received backing from the Home Affairs Committee, which has recommended several measures to support the #SimplifyDG6 campaign. The committee’s support underscores the importance of addressing the bureaucratic challenges faced by police officers and the need for legislative amendments to streamline the disclosure process Mr Hudson added: “The #SimplifyDG6 campaign is a crucial step towards improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. By addressing the practical difficulties faced by police officers in redacting case material at the pre-charge stage, the campaign aims to
ensure that officers can focus on their primary responsibilities without being bogged down by administrative tasks. “The proposed legislative amendments will not only benefit the police force but also contribute to a more streamlined and effective justice system. It is only through widespread support from MPs with a clear focus on legislative reform that the campaign can bring about significant positive changes in the criminal justice system.”
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