Best Practice in Accident Investigations
Course View More
Case File Preparation & Prosecution Files
This interactive one-day course is aimed at staff working in the enforcement area who have to prepare prosecution files for Solicitors and the DPP's Office (Office Director of Public Prosecutions).
Online or In Person
1 day
About this course
Ensuring that officers appreciate exactly what is required of them and what is necessary to include in the file from start to finish is key. This allows their legal team, State Solicitor and/or DPP to fully appreciate the nature of the case and issue directions on it.
Why choose this course
Poor file management is often the sole reason why officers have 'nothing to show' for an otherwise successful investigation.
In many cases the DPP rejects files due to problems such as:
Difficulties with the Evidential Trail
Insufficient information furnished
Inclusion of unnecessary and irrelevant information and documentation
An apparent lack of understanding as to what the case involves on the part of the Investigating Officer
Course syllabus
This course is extremely practical in that it will be tailored to suit the individual needs of the officers attending. It will include and place emphasis on the particular area that they work in.
Key Learning Points
- What format should the file take?
- What should be included & excluded?
- Is a Report necessary?
- Is it necessary to refer to Legislation and to what extent should legislation be included?
- Who decides what charges should be taken and what legislation to prosecute under?
- How and what affects the D.P.P.’s decision to prosecute?
- How much information does the D.P.P. need/ Should you tell the D.P.P. everything?
- What level of communication is appropriate with the D.P.P.’s office in relation to the Investigation file?
- Is it appropriate to seek guidance from the D.P.P.’s office in relation to an investigation?
- How should difficulties/weaknesses in the investigation be dealt with?
- Who should be responsible for the preparation of the file for the D.P.P.?
- Are statements necessary and if so from whom should statements be taken?
- What technical information is required? Should this information be explained?
- Should original documents be sent to the D.P.P.?
- What is the procedure if a number of Agencies are involved in the Investigation?
- Is it correct to specify previous convictions or dealings with the suspect to the D.P.P.?
- Who is responsible for the file after directions are received from the D.P.P.’s office?
Your Trainer – Our expert trainers
La Touche Training Legal Experts
We work with a wide panel of specialist trainers, all chosen based on their experience and knowledge, experience both in practice and as trained trainers. The majority of our trainers are experienced...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Enhance your legal expertise with our case file preparation and prosecution files training.
FAQs
This is a one-day practical course for staff working in enforcement roles who need to prepare prosecution files for solicitors and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). It focuses on what should be included in a file, how files should be structured, and how to present a case clearly from investigation through to prosecution decision-making.
The course is aimed at officers and staff involved in enforcement and investigation work, especially those responsible for assembling files for legal teams, State Solicitors or the DPP. It is particularly relevant where staff gather evidence, prepare reports, take statements, or support prosecution decisions.
Poor file preparation can weaken an otherwise strong investigation. La Touche Training notes that files are often rejected or delayed because of evidential gaps, insufficient information, irrelevant material, or a lack of clarity about what the case actually involves.
The DPP must be able to review the file carefully and decide whether there is sufficient evidence to put before the court. In practice, that means the file needs to present the facts, evidence and issues in a clear, usable way so the prosecutor can assess the case properly.
Key topics on this course include the format of the file, what should be included or left out, whether a report is needed, how legislation should be referenced, who decides on charges, how the DPP reaches prosecution decisions, what technical information is required, whether original documents should be sent, and how weaknesses in an investigation should be addressed.
No. One of the recurring problems identified on the course page is the inclusion of unnecessary or irrelevant information. The training is designed to help attendees understand what supports the case and what may simply clutter the file or distract from the key evidential issues.
Yes. The wider La Touche course material on prosecution file preparation highlights witness statements, reports, notes and other evidential materials such as photos, plans and CCTV as core parts of case preparation. That makes the course useful for staff who need to organise evidence in a legally coherent format.
Yes. The course description expressly refers to preparing files for solicitors and the DPP, and its learning points include communication with the DPP, seeking guidance, and responsibility for the file after directions are received. In the Irish prosecution system, the DPP makes prosecution decisions in relevant cases and the State Solicitor may manage the prosecution process after directions issue.
It is positioned as a highly practical, interactive one-day course. La Touche states that the training is tailored to the needs of the officers attending and places emphasis on the particular enforcement area in which they work.
Common mistakes include weak evidential trails, incomplete information, inclusion of irrelevant documentation, and failing to show a proper understanding of the case. These issues can make it harder for legal advisers or prosecutors to assess the matter and move it forward efficiently.
