North Wales has been rated as the top performing area in England & Wales for the service provided to victims and witnesses following a criminal charge.
The latest figures sees North Wales top the performance chart of the national No Witness, No Justice project with the post charge service provided once a crime is detected and the offender has been charged to court.
A file is then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service and the Witness Care Units at Wrexham or Colwyn Bay are notified.
Witness Care Units, which are staffed jointly by police and CPS staff, look after the victims and witnesses in the case, keeping them informed and, if required, offering and organising appropriate support that may include transport and child care.
The post charge service can also include a pre-court visit, facilitated by Victim Support, which allows the witness to visit the court in advance of the hearing and run through what will happen on the day.
The wider aims for the No Witness, No Justice project scheme are to improve witness attendance, build confidence and reduce the number of abandoned trials.
It also hopes to achieve improved co-ordination within the criminal justice system so that each agency works better together and is clear on its roles and responsibilities for victim and witness care.
The NWNJ programme is a Crown Prosecution Service and Association of Chief Police Officers partnership supported by the Criminal Justice Group and the Prime Minister’s Office of Public Services Reform.
This is co-ordinated locally through the Local Criminal Justice Board which works with all the criminal justice system agencies to deliver victim and witness care.
Chairman of the North Wales Criminal Justice Board, Chief Constable Mark Polin said; “To be recognised nationally as the top performing area for providing a comprehensive and tailored service that supports victims and witnesses through addressing their needs and concerns, sends a clear and reassuring message of commitment to the people of North Wales.
“It also reinforces our, and our partners aim, to bring offenders to justice and improve still further confidence in the criminal justice system.”
“We continue to work together with other agencies to ensure this area remains one of the safest places to live, work and visit.”
