Working for the communities of North Derbyshire

07/02/2006

A new unit that aims to improve the service offered to victims and witnesses of crime in north Derbyshire was officially opened yesterday by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC and Chief Constable David Coleman.

The North Prosecution Unit, based at Chesterfield police station, brings prosecutors and police officers together for the very first time to form one co-ordinated prosecution team.  Police and CPS staff will work together from the very beginning of a case to make sure all key elements are in place, such as the right charge and good witness support, so that the case can proceed more smoothly once it reaches court.

A core part of this prosecution team approach is the formation of a Witness Care Unit, which provides dedicated support for witnesses attending magistrates courts in Chesterfield, Buxton and Glossop.

Set up as part of the national No Witness, No Justice project, the aim of the Unit is to ensure that victims and witnesses are better served by the criminal justice system from start to finish from a crime being reported through to post-sentence support.

The Witness Care Unit will provide a single point of contact for victims and witnesses for the first time.  All witnesses will receive a needs assessment to identify any potential problems that may prevent them attending court to give evidence, such as childcare or transport problems, language difficulties, disabilities or particular concerns such as intimidation.  A team of police and CPS Witness Care Officers co-ordinate the support offered to the witnesses and manage any referrals to other agencies, such as the Witness Service. 

They provide updates about the progress of the case and at the end of the trial make sure that victims and witnesses are told about the result and sentencing, thanked for their help with the case and offered further support if they need it.

Chris Cragon, Assistant Chief Constable for Derbyshire said "This is another step forward in our plan to improve the service we give to the people of Derbyshire.  By working closely together the police and the CPS can minimise the amount of time it takes for cases to come to court.  This should reduce the levels of stress caused to victims and alleged offenders who are waiting to appear at a trial."

Brian Gunn, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Derbyshire said We have a duty to ensure that the people of Derbyshire receive a service that makes them feel confident in the criminal justice system.  We want to ensure that victims and witnesses are better informed, better prepared and better supported.  This in turn will hopefully increase witness attendance at court, improve trial outcomes and increase witness satisfaction as a whole. 

Working together will enhance the relationship between the CPS and the police and enable us to provide an improved and more efficient service to local communities in north Derbyshire.  This partnership approach demonstrates our commitment to providing a high quality service that puts victims and witnesses at the heart of the process.