News
Communities set to benefit from cashback from criminals
Communities in Surrey could benefit from 'cashback' from criminals as millions of pounds in seized assets are to be spent on worthwhile projects nominated by members of the public.
The Community Cashback fund will be made available for local schemes nominated through a dedicated website, at neighbourhood policing meetings or through Citizens' Panels.
Successful bids will have to show how the local community is involved in suggesting the project, demonstrate good value for money and be related in some way to tackling anti-social behaviour locally. Surrey Criminal Justice Board will be able to submit project proposals for funding in the local area.
The message behind Community Cashback is simple - the public must have a stronger voice in the criminal justice system.
The Cashback website for you to have your say can be found at http://cashback.cjsonline.gov.uk
Dec 2009
Guildford Crown Court opens its doors to the public
The Surrey public got a unique opportunity to gain an insight into how the Criminal Justice Process operates when Guildford Crown Court opened its doors in February this year.
The day which was officially opened by the High Sheriff, Sally Varah and attended by the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Jennifer Jordan and aimed to raise awareness and provide people with a better understanding of the Criminal Justice System.
During the day the public were invited to watch mock court room scenarios as well as having the chance to become a juror or magistrate or participate in sentencing. Cell tours were available and a Prison Van was on hand for people to have a closer look around. Other highlights included fingerprinting, police dogs and a demonstration on how tagging is used.
The Open Day was a great opportunity to engage with the local community and highlighted how Criminal Justice Agencies in Surrey are working to tackle and reduce crime, support victims and witnesses and provide and efficient and effective service.
Feb 2009
Surrey celebrates hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers
Surrey Criminal Justice Board hosted its second award ceremony for Criminal Justice staff and volunteers in May this year. The local justice awards recognise the achievements of those working in the criminal justice system and it is a great opportunity to commend those who have gone the extra mile.
Frontline staff and members from volunteer organisations celebrated their success at the local event.
Portia Ragnauth, Chair of Surrey Criminal Justice Board said: " I am delighted that we can once again highlight the exemplary work that is being carried out in the Criminal Justice arena across Surrey."
The categories ranged from working with victim and witnesses through to a long service award fro continued commitment and dedication.
May 2009
Making Surrey aware of Prolific and Priority Offenders
An event to showcase the success of the Surrey Prolific and Priority Offender (PPO) scheme has been held in Surrey. The day hosted by Surrey Criminal Justice Board, Surrey Community Safety Team and Surrey Police was held in January and opened by Yvette Ball, Chief Probation Officer for Surrey.
The aim of the event was to raise the profile of the work being carried out by Criminal Justice agencies including the Police, Probation and Prison Service and partners such as the The Crime and Reduction Partnerships when dealing with Prolific and Priority Offenders.
During the morning there were presentations at the vent on the special Premium Service Protocol, which ensures offenders' needs in relation to housing, education, drugs, alcohol and finance are addressed to divert them form criminal behaviour. Delegates were also invited to speak to other supporting agencies such as Surrey Community Action and Surrey Job Match.
Yvette Ball, Chief Probation Officer for Surrey said; "This event highlights the joined-up approach Surrey ahs adopted to tackle persistent offending. We look at the whole picture when dealing with Prolific and Priority Offenders and work in partnership to ensure all the underlying issues are addressed."
Surrey Criminal Justice Board and local crime reduction partnerships are committed to dealing with Prolific and Priortiy Offenders. recent figures from December to February 2009 show that 7 out of 10 of those who left the scheme were as a result of reduced re-offending or had left the area. In the same quarter we also saw an 87.5% detection rate against 48 crimes linked to those offenders.
Feb 2009
Intermediaries - helping vulnerable witnesses
A new initiative has been intoduced in Surrey to provide an effective tool to help deal with vulnerable witnesses. The Intermediaries scheme is one of a number of special measures introduced by the 'Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999' . The aim is to provide someone - an Intermediary - to assist a vulnerable witness communicate when brought into the system.
Intermediaries can assist a witness who is under 17, or whose eveidence could be diminished because they have a mental disorder or suffer with learning or physical disabilities understand questions as well as help them respond. They can carry out this role at any stage of the criminal justice process.
Intermediaries are professionals who have experience in dealing with people with different needs whether physical or mental. They will have completed a rigorous assessment process and they will abide by a code of practice. The idea is that they improve access to justice for vulnerable people as well as providing a useful service to criminal justice practitioners.
By providing practical information about witness needs they can improve decision making in a case.
If you would like further information on the scheme then please contact SCJB secretariat on 01483 468332.