Right of Review Schemes
Date published: 16 February 2023 13:43Police Right of Review Scheme
The police Victims Right of Review (VRR) scheme came into effect on 1 April 2015 and applies to all recorded crime offences.
The intention of the scheme is to give you a way to appeal a decision not to prosecute.
The right of a victim to request a review happens where the police:
- Make a decision not to bring proceedings in cases where the police are able to charge or
- Make a decision that the case does not meet the relevant threshold for referral to the CPS for a charging decision.
You are allowed to request a review within three months of being notified of the case being filed, as this is the period during which they can request a judicial review.
Who can apply?
Any victim in a qualifying case where a decision is made not to prosecute (as identified in 1 and 2 above) is entitled to seek a review of that decision.
How to apply for VRR
Where you feel that you meet the above criteria, you can apply via email to Police_VRRS@southyorks.pnn.police.uk or in writing to:
South Yorkshire Police Criminal Justice Unit
4th Floor
Snig Hill
Sheffield
S3 8LY
Requests will then be reviewed to ensure they meet with the qualifying criteria and confirmation of receipt, progression or otherwise, will be sent to you. Any requests will be dealt within 30 working days.
CPS Right to Review Scheme
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) also operates a process called the Victims’ Right to Review Scheme, which makes it easier for you to seek a review of a CPS decision not to bring charges against a suspect or to terminate proceedings.
If this is the case, our officer will contact you to inform you about the CPS decision not to charge and they will advise you who you can contact to review your case.