27/01/2006
`Speak out. With confidence` Exhibition - Launch of the witness support criminal justice process
The Rt.Hon. Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC came to Merseyside as part of Criminal Justice Board's 'Victim and Witness Month' to launch the first Merseyside Witness Care Unit.She also attended the `Speak Out.With Confidence` Exhibition held at Liverpool Town Hall. This also coincided with the launch of the Safe n' Sound 'problem-solving' project by the Community Justice Centre, North Liverpool.
The Witness Care Unit based at Tithebarn House in Liverpool will cover cases from across Merseyside and will transform the way victims and witnesses are dealt with throughout the criminal justice process.
For the first time specially trained witness care staff from both Merseyside Crown Prosecution Service and Merseyside Police are to provide a single point of contact for victims and witnesses across the area. These dedicated Witness Care Officers will provide practical help and moral support as cases come to court.
The unit will provide a more co-ordinated response to witness care than ever before through the "No Witness No Justice" project, a joint Crown Prosecution Service and Police initiative.
The` Speak Out.With Confidence` event attracted many different exhibitors including Citysafe ( Liverpool's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership) and many other partners from across the criminal justice agencies and others ranging from Victim Support, NSPCC and the Samaritans. The event was open to the public from 12 noon until 7pm.
Citysafe officers were on hand to explain to attendees, particularly members of the public, the service that they offer to vulnerable witnesses, who may find themselves in a position were they are either a victim or witness of crime and may need to give evidence in court.
Speaking at the opening of the Merseyside Witness Care Unit, Baroness Scotland, QC said: "This unit will provide a service which is tailored to the needs of each individual, and the specially trained dedicated Witness Care Officers will be able to offer practical help to the people of Merseyside. This will help to redress the balance and put both victims and witnesses at the heart of the criminal justice system and help raise public confidence."
Bernard Hogan-Howe, Chief Constable, Merseyside Police said: "Merseyside Police fully supports the opening of this new unit, which has been set up to make sure the Criminal Justice System looks after both victims and witnesses from start to the finish."
Paul Whittaker, Chief Crown Prosecutor, Crown Prosecution Service Merseyside said: "The Witness Care Unit will transform the experience for victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process. The Witness Care Unit is made up of CPS and Police staff and provides a co-ordinated response, carrying out a needs assessment on all witnesses to ensure that individual needs are met. The Witness Care Officers identify problems and give support to the witnesses ensuring they provide updates through each stage of the process."
The Witness Care Unit is one of the many new services for Victims and Witnesses of crime in Merseyside. To find out more, visit : www.mcjb.co.uk.
For more information on Vulnerable Witness Support Services provided by Citysafe contact citysafe@liverpool.gov.uk.
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