Acid test for private legal prosecutors

THERE was a time when police officers were tasked with handling all prosecution matters in the lower courts. They were normally handpicked by their respective commanding officers – either the officer in charge of criminal investigations (OCCI) or officer in charge of the police district (OCPD).

Legal complications that arose before or during proceedings would normally mean an adjournment and a quick visit to the Attorney General’s chambers to seek advice. Over the years, public prosecutors gradually took over the handling of all criminal cases.