Witness Care Units
The aim of witness care units is to provide a single point of contact for victims and witnesses, minimising the stress of attending court and keeping victims and witnesses up to date with any news in a way that is convenient to them. Witnesses are essential to successful prosecutions and we are committed to making the process as straightforward as we can.
Witness care units are jointly staffed by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service in London.
The Witness Care Units manage the care of victims and witnesses from the charging of the defendant(s) through to the conclusion of a case. The service to victims and witnesses includes:
- a single point of contact for victims and witnesses, communicating by their preferred means where possible;
- a full needs assessment for all victims and witnesses in cases where defendants have pleaded not guilty, to identify specific support requirements, such as child care, transport, language difficulties and medical issues and to highlight areas of concern, including intimidation;
- dedicated witness care officers to guide and support individuals through the criminal justice process and to co-ordinate support and services;
- continuous review of victim and witness needs throughout the case;
- greater communication and contact with witnesses about cases including informing them of the case outcome or trial result, thanking them for their contribution to the case and offering post case support from the relevant support agency.
