News
Have your say on how criminals' cash is spent!
Worthwhile Merseyside projects could receive a £95,000 boost under a new scheme aiming to take the cash out of crime and give communities a greater say.
Community Cashback gives people a direct say in how criminals’ ill-gotten gains can be used to benefit their communities in the fight against crime.
Under the scheme money and assets recovered by the courts will be reinvested in local projects aimed at cutting crime and antisocial behaviour.
Click here to have your say or nominate a project.
You can nominate a Merseyside project until 24th July and have your say during the following week.
Merseyside Witness Care Unit – Serious Crime Team - April 2009
The Merseyside Witness Care Unit expanded towards the end of 2008 which saw the creation of new Serious Crime Team. The Team supports witnesses affected by more serious crimes which have traditionally been dealt with by specialist police units.
The Serious Crime Team has now been up and running for a 4 month test period. During this initial four month period they have supported witnesses through trials that resulted in 10 defendants being sentenced to a total of 74 years in prison.
The team is currently caring for over 1,300 civilian witnesses in cases such as wounding, attempted murder, serious sexual offences, death by dangerous driving, attempted arson, gun crime, serious fraud, grievous bodily harm and serious drug offences. Part of the tailored service for witnesses involves arranging special measures, help with childcare, transport, referrals to support agencies, as well as providing a service to both Police Officers and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Detective Sergeant Paul Bennett from St Helens CID has recently praised the work of the Witness Care Unit. DS Bennett was involved in a case that secured convictions for 8 defendants totalling 48 years imprisonment. He said:
‘ I used the Witness Care Unit for a serious assault trial. They provided me with a point of contact so I could manage my witness’s needs and arrange special measures. The majority of the witnesses were young people and they were dealt with in a professional manner throughout, by the Witness Care Officer’.
The Witness Care Officer has since been put forward for a local award for his professionalism in dealing with the witnesses in this case.
Merseyside Witness Care Unit is jointly staffed by police and Crown Prosecution employees and is located in Liverpool city centre.
For more information about the work of the unit, access the Merseyside Witness Care Unit page using the tabs to the left of the screen.