DPP set to keep policy of secrecy

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) looks set to retain his policy of secrecy on the reasons for his decisions in crimes where no charges are laid against the chief suspect.

In his annual report published today, James Hamilton omits reference to proposals for a change in policy that would allow victims of crime to be given an explanation when prosecutions do not proceed.

His office began a review of the practices in other jurisdictions around the world over a year ago but in his report, Mr Hamilton restates the existing policy that reasons “are not given in individual cases”.