What to expect

There are a number of agencies within the Criminal Justice System and all of them have a commitment to ensure they help you if you have been a victim or witness of crime.

Below are some of these agencies and their roles.

Police:

• Provide you with a crime reference number.
• Provide you with details of the officer in case.
• Assess your needs and refer you to support services if required.
• Update you throughout the investigation.
• Visit their website for more information.

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS):

• Prosecute criminal cases that have been investigated by the Police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales.
• Is independent, and make its decisions independently of the Police and government.
• Their role is to make sure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offence, and to bring offenders to justice wherever possible.
• Visit their website for more information.

Witness Service:

• Will prepare witnesses to go to court.
• Provide help and support when giving evidence in court as a witness.
• Inform you what will happen after the trial.
• Visit Witness Support for more information.

Witness Care Units:

• Are run by Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) staff, in joint partnership.
• Will let you know the outcome of the trial.
• If the defendant was sentenced, they’ll explain what this means or refer you to another organisation if you have further questions.

The Courts:

• Are responsible for the administration of justice in England and Wales.
• Consider the needs of victims when setting trial dates and sentencing.
• Visit their website for more information.

The Probation Service:

• Will (if someone is sentenced to 12 months or more for violent/sexual offences) explain the sentence to you and offer involvement in the Victim Contact Scheme.
• Inform you about key stages of offenders’ sentence.
• Tell you when the offender will be released.
• Keep you informed about parole board decisions.
• Visit their website for more information.