New code of practice for victims of crime

Warwickshire welcomes new code of practice for victims of crime

Warwickshire Criminal Justice Board has welcomed the publication of a new statutory Code of Practice, giving rights to victims of crime for the first time.

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime was laid before Parliament today by Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart as part of a series of announcements to mark Inside Justice Week. It sets out the minimum services victims can expect to receive from the criminal justice system including:

• A right to information about their crime within specified timescales, including the right to be notified of any arrests and court cases.
• A dedicated family liaison police officer to be assigned to bereaved relatives.
• Clear information from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) on eligibility for compensation under the Scheme.
• All victims to be told about Victim Support and referred on to them if appropriate.
• An enhanced service in the cases of vulnerable or intimidated victims.
• Flexibility with regard to opting in or out of receiving services to ensure victims receive the level of service they want.

Liz Stafford, Chair of Warwickshire Criminal Justice Board said:

"Improving support for victims of crime is already a priority for the Criminal Justice System in Warwickshire. Our groundbreaking Victim & Witness Information Partnership looks after the needs of anyone affected by crime. We are already meeting many of the service obligations in the new Code, but it is an important step forward that these are set out for the first time, and we will be addressing any points for improvement in our area before the Code comes into force early next year."

Criminal justice bodies, including the Prison Service, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and all police forces in England and Wales will need to ensure that victims of crime and their families receive information, protection and support. The Government's current programme of work for victims also includes the establishment of Witness Care Units, a consultation on Victims' Advocates, the forthcoming Prosecutor's Pledge and the commitment to the appointment of a Victims Commissioner by April 2006.

Earl Chilton is in charge of Warwickshire's Victim and Witness Information Partnership : "The Victims Code of Practice is a welcome introduction to the Government's strategy to support victims of crime and to improve their experience within the Criminal Justice System. The Code formalises the responsibilities of the criminal justice agencies to keep victims informed of the state of their crime, whether it be from the point of reporting the matter to the police, or to a defendant's sentence in court and beyond.

"The Code gives victims a voice and sets out how they may complain against any agency not performing its responsibilities in a timely and reasonable manner. The Code provides a clear structure for the criminal justice agencies to work to, thereby improving support for victims at all stages of the criminal justice process."

The Government aims to ensure that every victim, including relatives of people who have died as the result of a crime, has access to information on support services in their local area.

Victims Minister Fiona Mactaggart said:

"It is by working together at the local level that all agencies, police, courts and Crown Prosecution Service, will make sure the needs of victims are at the centre of the Criminal Justice System. I am always encouraged to see Areas bringing together the local criminal justice agencies to ensure that a seamless service can be offered to victims and witnesses.

"The forthcoming Code of Practice for Victims of Crime will ensure that victims receive the information they need from each local agency. The Code, along with a wider programme of Government work including the establishment of Witness Care Units, will not only help innocent victims and witnesses to carry on with their normal lives, but also to feel that the criminal justice system is designed to meet their individual needs."

The Victims' Code will come into full force in April 2006, when victims will have the right to appeal should they feel that any of the service providers have not delivered their obligations under the Victims' Code. If dissatisfied with the response to their complaint, victims will be able to take their case to the Parliamentary Ombudsman via their MP.