Victims and witnesses asked to share their views on criminal justice

Victims of crime and witnesses are being asked to share their views on the criminal justice system in Hertfordshire.

All those who have reported a crime or been a victim of crime in the past two years can report back on their experience with the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, the courts and victim services.

The Hertfordshire Criminal Justice Board, which is chaired by David Lloyd, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, are keen to learn from victims and witnesses who have attended court.

The Board, which is made up of key agencies including the police, CPS and Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service, also want to understand how the Code of Practice for Victims of crime has been applied.

The survey has been launched to get a more detailed picture after a recent national survey conducted by the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales found only 43 per cent of victims would report their crime again and 83 per cent said they no longer had confidence in the effectiveness of the CPS to prosecute those accused of a crime.

Mr Lloyd said: “Criminal Justice Boards were set up to improve the delivery of justice, secure better outcomes for victims and witnesses, and increase public confidence in the system.

“The Covid pandemic has caused huge issues and delay for victims of crime. Part of my role is working to bring all agencies together to address these issues and to ensure victims get a better service.

“By  sharing your feedback, the Criminal Justice Board can get an accurate local picture of what the concerns are, then we can work to ensure future victims receive the support and justice outcomes they need.”

The online survey is open to anyone who has been a victim of a crime and/or reported a crime in the last two years, from the start of 2019 onwards. It can also be completed by parents or carers of children who have been a victim.