Department of Public Prosecutions

What do they do?

In prosecuting criminal offences in the interest of the Bermudian public, the Department of Public Prosecutions:

Promotes the fair, transparent and efficient prosecution of criminal offences, consistent with lawful authority and subject to established guidelines to safeguard the actuality and the perception of prosecutorial independence.
Promotes high standards and principles in the administration of criminal justice including procedures to guard against or address miscarriages of justice in support of the rule of law.
Carry out prosecutorial functions impartially, assisting the court to arrive at the truth and to do justice between the community, the victim and the accused according to law and the dictates of fairness.
Promotes good relations between individual prosecutors, policing and other agencies within the Criminal Justice System; to facilitate the exchange and dissemination among them of information, expertise and experience; andto that end, to encourage the use of information technology.
Maintains a team of highly competent Administrative Professionals to carefully handle the day-to-day responsibilities of the department with great detail, and confidentiality which is a critical and essential element in helping prosecutors fulfill their mandate.
Advises the police, government departments, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.
Runs the Witness Care Unit.

Additionally, the Department of Public Prosecutions performs the following duties at Bermuda’s courts.

Magistrates' Court

The Department also takes responsibility for appeals at higher court levels.

Ministry