Events
This is the page to visit regularly to see what's going on - and where. Most events are open to the general public and present the opportunity to see the vital role played by Staffordshire Criminal Justice Board in the fight to reduce crime.
Improving Criminal Justice: A Common Purpose
February 2009
Around 300 people working in the criminal justice system attended a conference in February entitled 'Improving Criminal Justice - A Common Purpose'. The central theme was to recognise the key role that staff working in the CJS have in raising public confidence.
In launching the strategy Chris Sims, Chief Constable and Chair of Staffordshire Criminal Justice Board said: “For the plan to be successful, all criminal justice partners need to be even better at talking to each other and even better at working together. In a thought provoking address, on the theme of public confidence, he added: If one of us working in the CJS in Staffordshire speaks against another, it damages us all… we’ve made great progress in recent years but there’s certainly an opportunity to do more and all of our staff can do their bit to help.”
John Wood contrasted some impressive performance achieved by the CJS in Staffordshire, against the findings of satisfaction surveys indicating that public satisfaction with the effectiveness and fairness of the CJS is not so impressive. The key to improvement is to understand the reasons for such public perceptions. It is known that the support of staff working in the CJS is a critical factor in enhancing public confidence.
The latest national research findings from Ipsos MORI indicate that staff are far more likely to speak highly of their own organisation than the CJS as a whole. However, there is evidence that on occasions staff are not always sufficiently knowledgeable to respond positively to CJS related issues beyond their employing organisation and this can lead to a negative impact on public confidence. The national research found that Police and Prison staff were consistently the most likely
detractors from the CJS. The matters arising from this input set the scene for the table discussions and the opportunity or the partner organisations to share perspectives. Some of the questions arising from the discussions were posed directly for Board members
to answer.
Staffordshire Police Annual Awards Event
May 2008
Officers, police staff, Police Community Support Officers and a Special Constable will be recognised for their exceptional work at Staffordshire Police’s prestigious Annual Awards event at force headquarters on Wednesday 21 May.
To find out more click here.
National Tackling Drugs Week
May 2008
Staffordshire Police, together with Stoke-on-Trent’s Safer City Partnership and Staffordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, will be promoting a host of initiatives and events in support of the national campaign - all designed to tackle drug dealing and use, reduce drug-related crime and address community issues.
To find out more click here.
Witness Service celebrate 10 years at Cannock Magistrates' Court
April 2008
Melina Hancox, Head of Victim Support Staffordshire said: "We are delighted to be celebrating our 10th anniversary of the Witness Service at Cannock Magistrates court.
"Throughout this period, the service has been provided by a team of committed volunteers, who dedicate their own time to supporting witnesses at court. Their accomplishments have made and continue to make a difference by enabling witnesses to feel comfortable and adequately informed in order to give their evidence in court.
"This inevitably leads to improved results within the criminal justice system. I would personally like to thank the staff and volunteers for their considerable efforts over the past decade”
Key speakers included Martyn Herward (Regional Director Victim Support), Peter Cave (Chair of VSS). David Goodman (original co-founder of Witness Service) and Chris Sims (Chief Constable).
In attendance were the Chairman of the Council, David Bennett (WCU), David Tooth (original co-founder of Witness Service), staff and volunteers of VSS.
Lynne Tuckley WS Manager was thanked for 10 years contribution and cut the specially made cake, whilst Sandy Avison celebrated a 10 year contribution as a volunteer and was provided with a gift.
The local press attended with subsequent articles in Cannock Post and Staffordshire Newsletter.
Schools Mock Trial Competition
March 2008
Schools Mock Trial Competition was held at Stafford Magistrates' Court on Saturday 8 March 2008. The standard was extremely high, and the winning margin was very close. The winner was the John Taylor High School, Stafford.
Pictured: Fiona Waite, Year 8, John Taylor High School receives award from David Goodman, Clerk to the Justices & Director of Legal Services, Her Majesty's Court Service.
