Inside Justice Week 2009
Inside Justice Week was our local initiative to speak directly to you. Whatever opinions you may hold about the work of the Criminal Justice System, we invited you to interact with us to expand your knowledge and challenge your views.
We especially encouraged you to explore the various events in your area where you could increase your understanding of the Criminal Justice System. You were also able to meet some of the people who work to prevent crime, offer support for victims and witnesses, and facilitate some of the many programmes to assist offenders in returning to communities with a fresh perspective.
The theme for this year's Inside Justice Week was 'Your community, your justice system' which took place in Staffordshire between 17 and 22 October 2009 - the following events were open to the general public:
See You in Court! Open Day
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Magistrates’ Court
Saturday 17 October 2009 – 10am to 4pm
- Our communities were able to see who does what in the courtroom through theatre productions and court room senarios.
- Visited the cells to see what the Police and other agencies do
- See what's being done to tackle race issues
- And MUCH MORE!!
- For full details download the event leaflet here.
RESPECT DAY
Community House
103 Barrett Drive
Cobridge
Stoke-on-Trent
ST6 3LG
Monday 19 October 2009 – 5.30 to 8.30pm
- Neighbourhood Justice Team, partners, local authority Stoke-on-Trent City Council and community worked together to make Cobridge a cleaner, safer and greener place.
- For full details contact the Area Neighbourhood Justice Manager, Jan Simpson on 07920 835900.
See You in Court! Open Evening
Burton-on-Trent Magistrates’ Court
Monday 19 October 2009 – 5.30 to 8.30pm
- Members of the public were able to see who does what in the courtroom
- Ask Questions of our multi-agency panel
- See what's being done to tackle efficiency
- And MUCH MORE!!
For full details download the event leaflet here.
See You in Court! Open Evening
Cannock Magistrates’ Court
Monday 19 October 2009 – 5.30 to 8.30pm
- The general public were invited to find out more about the work of the local Magistrates' Court with our question and answer session
- Observed and took part in a sentencing exercise
- Networked with other community groups
- Met representatives from the Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Probation Service and the Youth Offending Services
- For full details download the event leaflet here.
See You in Court! Open Evening
Stoke-on-Trent Magistrates’ Court, Fenton
Tuesday 20 October 2009 – starting at 6pm
- Tour of court and cells - started 6pm
- Representatives from Police, Courts, Crown Prosecution Service and Probation Service answered questions about local justice issues - starting 7pm
- Limited places were available - download the leaflet here.
United by Faith Evening
Pavillion Marquee
Trentham Gardens
Stone Road
Trentham
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 8AX
Wednesday 21 October 2009 – 7 to 9pm
Staffordshire Police hosted a United by Faith evening which included theatre groups and speakers from local faith groups.
For full details download the event leaflet here.
See You in Court! Open Evening
Stafford Magistrates’ Court
Thursday 22 October 2009 – 5.30 to 8.30pm
- Our communities were able to find out more about the work of our local Magistrates' Court with the question and answer session
- Observed and took part in a sentencing exercise
- Networked with other community groups
- Met representatives from the Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Probation Service and the Youth Offending Services
- For full details download the event leaflet here.
Volunteering
Inside Justice Week forms part of Inside Justice, a year round campaign which supports criminal justice services in being open and accountable to the communities that it serves. There are lots of ways communities can get involved in the Criminal Justice System, either through developing their knowledge and understanding of the system or seeking career and volunteering opportunities – Inside Justice Week is about highlighting those opportunities.
You can become involved in the work of the criminal justice system and learn more at anytime throughout the year by becoming a volunteer. Volunteers do a great deal to help victims of crime through organisations which deal confidentially with people who have suffered a crime. There are opportunities to offer support, to listen and to be a trusted source of information.
You can also offer support to individuals who are resettling after having been released from custody. There are number of ways to volunteer your time; from tutoring and mentoring to offering one to one support. Organisations concerned with resettlement provide benefit to ex-offenders by offering a means of entering the mainstream community and this also serves to reduce and prevent crime.
Volunteering can also help you to decide your career aims and objectives. If you are interested in becoming a practitioner, you can gain practical experience through volunteering as well as developing relationships in your desired field. There are a number of career opportunities in the criminal justice system which will allow you to work with victims, witnesses and offenders. Download our careers and volunteering booklet here.