Deputy Public Prosecutors (“DPPs”) and Assistant Public Prosecutors (“APPs”) are appointed by the Attorney-General, who is also the Public Prosecutor, to perform prosecutorial and other duties in relation to criminal matters. They represent the PP in criminal hearings and proceedings and also assist in other proceedings such as disposal and coroner’s inquiries. In appropriate cases, these prosecutors will make legal submissions on points of law and address the Court on sentencing by highlighting the aggravating and mitigating circumstances of each case.
DPPs and APPs are appointed under different schemes of service offering different progressions and specialisations. DPPs are recruited as Legal Service Officers by Legal Service Commission. APPs on the other hand are employed under the Management Executive Scheme which is applicable to university graduates and degree holders within Civil Service.
The prosecutorial functions performed by DPPs and APPs are similar. Both DPPs and APPs may conduct any proceeding relating to a criminal matter in both the State Courts as well as the High Court. DPPs are also empowered to: a) appear on behalf of the Public Prosecutor in respect of criminal appeals and criminal reference on a question of law; b) issue any consent, fiat or authorisation for the trial of an offence before any court or tribunal; c) make any application or requisition for the forfeiture, confiscation or disposal of any case property that is required under any written law and d) issue any authorisation or permission for the exercise by any police officer of the powers of investigation under the Criminal Procedure Code.