Improving Standards for Witnesses
28 Nov 2005
Complementing the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime, which gives statutory rights to victims for the first time, the Witness Charter is the next step in the Government's programme of work to raise public confidence in the criminal justice system and support needs of victims and witnesses.
The Witness Charter consultation sets out the proposed services witnesses could expect during the criminal justice process:
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Information about the progress of the investigation or court case at key stages of the process;
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Tailored support based on individual needs assessment;
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The opportunity to visit the court building ahead of the trial;
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Minimising unnecessary attendance and waiting times in court;
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Emotional and practical support at court before during and after the trial, particularly in the cases of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses; and
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Action against intimidation at court and in the community.
Victims and Witnesses Minister Fiona Mactaggart said:
"The Government has made a commitment to put victims and witnesses at the heart of the criminal justice system. Improving victims and witness care is fundamental not only to bring more offences to justice, but to increase public confidence in the criminal justice system.
"It is important that witnesses have the confidence to engage with the criminal justice system right from the moment that they report a crime or incident. Witnesses who come forward, do not just provide evidence they play a vital part in tackling crime, building community safety and contributing to a culture of respect. We need to support them do that confidently and effectively. Witnesses help to protect communities from crime and help ensure the conviction of the guilty and the acquittal of the innocent. Witnesses deserve a modern and efficient service that meets their needs. We know from our research that otherwise they may be left feeling undervalued, taken for granted, dissatisfied with their experience and less inclined to engage with the criminal justice system."
John Broughton, ACC Essex Police and ACPO spokesperson on Victims and Witnesses said:
"The Association of Chief Police Officers welcomes the consultation paper on the Witness Charter. The needs of witnesses attending court are now being covered by the national introduction of Witness Care Units through the No Witness, No Justice project. Amongst other things, the Witness Charter seeks to enhance the support provided to witnesses during the investigative stages. This is a positive step which will improve their experience of the criminal justice system and increase witness confidence and satisfaction that in turn will lead to more offenders brought to justice and a reduction in the fear of crime."
Dame Helen Reeves OBE, Chief Executive of Victim Support, which runs the Witness Service, said:
"Victim Support welcomes the introduction of a Witness Charter as a very positive step towards really valuing victims and witnesses of crime who are called to give evidence in the courts. There is no doubt that the ordeal of giving evidence is lessened when uncertainty is reduced. The Charter will help with this by clarifying processes and creating realistic expectations."
The Government's current programme of work for witnesses also includes funding the Witness Service, which is present in every Crown Court and magistrates' court, and the No Witness, No Justice project, which is introducing dedicated local Witness Care Units across England and Wales. Over 130 of the planned 165 Witness Care Units are in place, and full coverage will be achieved by the end of December 2005. Download a full copy of the Charter consultation from the right hand side of this page.