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Overview — translating the concepts for England & Wales

The labels ‘GR’ (General Register) and ‘CR’ (Complaint Register) arise in other jurisdictions for police-registered cases versus court-filed complaints. In England & Wales the most relevant distinction is between police-led investigations that proceed to prosecution (normally run by the Crown Prosecution Service) and matters initiated directly by a private individual or organisation (private prosecutions or formal complaints made in court). This note outlines how those pathways typically operate and practical points for affected parties.

How criminal matters generally originate

Police-led matters: A member of the public reports an incident to the police. The police investigate under statute and common law powers; where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest, the police or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will charge a suspect or seek a summons. The CPS makes charging and prosecution decisions in most cases.

Private complaints and private prosecutions: Individuals or organisations can, in limited circumstances, bring a prosecution without the CPS. These are rare, procedurally more complex and subject to court scrutiny; the Director of Public Prosecutions may take over and discontinue such prosecutions. A private complaint can also be used to ask a magistrates’ court to consider issuing processes where the police do not act.

Typical criminal court process in England & Wales

1. Report and investigation: police investigation, witness statements, evidence gathering.
2. Charging decision: CPS assesses sufficiency of evidence and public interest; either charges, issues a summons, or declines to prosecute.
3. First appearance: defendant appears at magistrates’ court; for either-way or indictable-only offences the case can be sent or sent for trial to the Crown Court.
4. Pre-trial procedures: disclosure, witness statements, legal applications and pleas.
5. Trial and outcome: hearing before magistrates or jury at Crown Court leading to conviction, acquittal or other disposal.

Key differences to note: unlike jurisdictions that classify cases as GR/CR, England & Wales focuses on the prosecuting authority (CPS or private prosecutor) and the statutory charging, disclosure and court allocation rules.

Practical checklist for individuals and organisations

• If reporting an offence: obtain and retain the incident reference and copies of correspondence with police.
• If pursuing a private complaint: seek early legal advice about prospects, costs and the possibility that the DPP may assume conduct of the case.
• Preserve evidence: documents, CCTV, electronic records and witness details — preserve chain of custody.
• Consider civil options: parallel civil remedies (injunctions, damages) may be available while or after criminal processes proceed.
• Engage early with the CPS or police when possible to understand charging decisions and disclosure obligations.

Jurisdiction and sources

• Crown Prosecution Service (cps.gov.uk)
• HM Courts & Tribunals Service (gov.uk/courts-tribunals)
• College of Policing and local police force guidance (college.police.uk; police.uk)
• Criminal Procedure Rules and relevant statutory provisions (legislation.gov.uk)

For matters arising in Scotland or Northern Ireland, procedure and prosecuting authorities differ and separate local advice should be sought.

General information only; not legal advice and not a substitute for advice on a particular matter.