Effective Early Investigative Advice - A Best Practice Guide for the CPS

Introduction

This webinar provides a practical, prosecutor focused guide to delivering high quality Early Investigative Advice (EIA) in complex cases. It explores how early case theory, proportionate lines of enquiry and clear communication can shape the direction of an investigation, prevent drift and strengthen evidential sufficiency from the outset.

This webinar is designed for prosecutors who want a clear, structured approach to advising investigators in multi handed, linked and voluminous investigations.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• The purpose of early investigative advice: understanding how early advice shapes investigative direction, prevents unnecessary enquiries and supports proportionate decision making
• Building early case theory: identifying the shape, size and proportionate parameters of an investigation into an achievable case theory
• Prioritising reasonable lines of enquiry: focusing on enquiries that drive the case forward applying proportionality to focus and agree a staged approach
• Managing case weaknesses early: spotting gaps, risks and vulnerabilities in investigations and taking timely action to strengthen the evidential position
• Early investigative disclosure management: when to commence a Disclosure Management Document and expectations round investigative disclosure documents
• Giving clear, actionable advice: structuring advice with clear, proportionate and achievable deadlines, managing expectations to a positive Criminal Justice Outcome
• Practical examples and common pitfalls: hints and tips on what strengthens or undermines early case theory, investigative delays and progression