CJS working together for the public

If you report a crime, then the police have the chance to work towards preventing further offences or solving your crime. They use the information you provide to map crime trends and if they can identify a pattern, work towards resolving it. This may be in partnership with other agencies, e.g. housing or parish councils or by targeting the area at the relevant times. This means that the offender may be caught or prevented from committing further crimes and someone else may not have to go through the same situation as you. You may also find it has helped you to talk about what has happened and your feelings about it. If the police know of the problem they can help reassure and advise on crime prevention matters. You can ask to speak to your local crime prevention officer. If you feel nervous about reporting a crime, Victim Support can help you decide whether it is the right thing for you.

The police prefer you to report the crime to them directly because you know all about what has happened to you and the full details of the offence. However, they understand that if you have been subject to a crime which causes you embarrassment, distress or that you think the police will judge you, then reporting the crime yourself can be very difficult. For crimes such as sexual offences or hate crimes (for example, those crimes committed because of the offender's personal prejudice against your perceived race, sexual orientation or disability) the police are sympathetic to other people making the initial report of the crime. This can be done through 'third party reporting' schemes or by a trusted friend or family member. The police will ask the person reporting to encourage you to speak to them, but it is always your decision whether to or not.

The police would like you to report all crimes as they can build up a picture of crime trends in an area and carry out work to prevent it continuing or to catch the people responsible. Your report of crime can be used to assist the police in their partnership with other organisations, such as local authorities and parish councils to identify areas of high crime and work on the underlying issues in that area. For example, if a car park is poorly lit then extra or protected lighting may be installed to prevent further offences. If you do not want to report the crime, you can still get support and help from Victim Support, or other support organisations. Victim Support offers a confidential service and their staff will not tell the police what you say to them.

This depends on the types of the crime and the effect it has had on you, unfortunately the police cannot visit all the victims of crime, they do not have the people to do this. They will make a judgement from the information you provide as to what investigation will be carried out. A police investigation will involve the police speaking to you about the offence; it may be where the crime has occurred, at your home or work, or at hospital. Normally you will see a uniformed officer, but if the crime is serious or sensitive then you may also speak to a non-uniformed officer, and if it is a sexual crime, you should be able to ask to speak to an officer of a specific sex, the police will try to comply with your request, but this may not always be possible.

The police will give you a leaflet called Victims of Crime which explains what happens after you report a crime to the police. This leaflet is available in a range of languages. Please ask the police for further details.

You will be given a crime reference number. You must keep this number, and any other reference numbers given to you, in case you want to make insurance or Criminal Injuries Compensation claim, or any other information you may need about your case from the criminal justice agencies.

Wherever possible you should tell the police:

• as much information as you can about the offence;
• if you are worried about your own (or your family's) safety so they can give you appropriate advice. If, for instance, you are worried about the suspect being released pending trial (bail), they will tell the Crown Prosecution Service of your concern;
• if the offence was made worse by racial abuse or hatred directed at you.

And later:

• if you change your address or telephone number so that they can tell you if someone has been arrested, charged or cautioned in connection with the offence;
• any other changes: for example, you may have noticed further losses or damage since you first reported the offence, or you may be suffering further effects from an injury caused by the crime;
• if you have more information about the offence; or
• if you have been the victim of crime again.

The police will normally tell Victim Support about all cases of burglary, theft, criminal damage, arson, assault (other than domestic violence), and racial harassment. Because resources are limited, victims whose cars are stolen or vandalised will not normally be referred to Victim Support. If you would like to contact Victim Support, tell the police officer in your case or contact Victim Support direct. If you have suffered a sexual crime, domestic violence or if you have been bereaved by homicide, you will be specifically asked if you wish to be referred to Victim Support. You will only be referred on with your consent.

For any type of crime, you can contact them yourself. If you have reported the crime, your police officer will be able to tell you where they are based and what their phone number is. Or you can always find their contact phone number in the phone directory, by going to the Victim Support website (www.victimsupport.org) or by phoning the national Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900. The Supportline is open:

• 9am-9pm Mondays to Fridays;
• 9am-7pm weekends;
• 9am-5pm bank holidays

All calls are confidential and charged at local rates.

If you do not want your name passed on as a victim of crime, tell the police officer dealing with your case.

• Help from Rape Crisis Federation
  If you have been the female victim of rape or sexual assault or abuse you can also seek help through a local rape crisis group affiliated to the Rape Crisis Federation.
• Help from Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM)
  SAMM offers understanding and support to families and friends who have been bereaved as a result of murder or manslaughter, through the mutual support of others who have suffered a similar tragedy. Details of other groups which are able to offer help are listed in an information pack which the police give to the families of homicide victims.