The Witness Charter
The Witness Charter - RAISING STANDARDS OF SERVICE FOR WITNESSES IN DERBYSHIRE
Witnesses help ensure that law-abiding people are able to live in safety and that offenders are brought to justice. What witnesses have seen and what they know informs police investigations and at court helps to ensure the conviction of the guilty and the acquittal of the innocent so they need and deserve the full support of the criminal justice system.
But giving evidence in court is only one part of the journey. We need to ensure that witnesses receive a high level of service right from the moment they report a crime or incident. It is important to give all witnesses the confidence that if they engage in the criminal justice process, they will be valued, they will be kept informed and they will be treated fairly, whether or not they are called upon to attend court.
The Witness Charter aims to do just that. Although non-statutory, it builds on the foundations laid out in the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime. The Witness Charter sets out 34 standards that all witnesses, prosecution and defence can expect to receive if they should ever come into contact with the Criminal Justice System. Standards include:
- Information about the progress of the investigation or court case at key stages of the process;
- Tailored support based on the needs of the individual;
- The opportunity to visit the court building ahead of the trial;
- Minimising unnecessary attendance and waiting times in court;
- Emotional and practical support at court before during and after the trial, particularly in the cases of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses;
- Action against intimidation at court and in the community.
Mick Creedon, Chair of Derbyshire Criminal Justice Board commented:
“Looking after the needs of victims and witnesses is a key priority for the partnerships in Derbyshire. The Witness Charter will help deliver an enhanced service to witnesses as part of a basket of measures that support victims and witnesses.
“Criminal justice agencies in Derbyshire are already meeting many of the levels of service in the Charter, but it is an important step forward that these are formalised for the first time.”
Unlike the Code, The Witness Charter is not set out in law and there may be constraints which affect the ability of the various agencies to provide the service. For example, although the care of witnesses is important to them, the principal duty of defence lawyers is to represent and attend to the needs of their client. Agencies and lawyers will seek to comply with the standards, insofar as is practicable and their professional rules allow.
To view the charter, please click here.