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Number: B 2500
Date Published: 21 May 2024
Version 3 – May 2024
[REDACTED TEXT]
This is a new policy which explains how Essex Police will provide a service to all victims and witnesses involved in a police investigation.
It is linked to:
Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures is mandatory.
This policy seeks to support Essex Police to deliver a high quality of service and care to all victims and witnesses.
It underpins the force’s commitment and priorities to support victims, protect the most vulnerable and tackle violent crime set out in the Force Plan.
Putting victims first, at the heart of all that we do and providing that very best service to them in every single interaction will help maintain their trust and confidence in the force. The approach of every police office and staff member matters.
Every victim/witness has the right to be treated with respect, dignity, sensitivity, compassion, and courtesy.
Essex Police will ensure:
The Victims Code 2021 sets out in 12 overarching rights, the minimum level of service victims can expect to receive from the Police and other Criminal Justice agencies:
The Code is applicable to all criminal offences. Which rights apply will depend on the status the investigation, as well as the victim’s personal needs and circumstances.
Those who are assessed as vulnerable or intimidated, persistently targeted or a victim of the most serious crime [1] (including bereaved close relatives) are eligible for enhanced rights which may include a referral to a specialist support service, being contacted sooner after key decisions and having access to special measures.
Officers and staff who engage with victims have a responsibility to deliver the services and standards set out in the Victims Code.
The Essex Police Victims and Witnesses Action Group will monitor performance and compliance of the Victims Code.
The overarching strategy of the Victims and Witnesses Action Group is to ensure that victims and witnesses are a primary focus in line with the Force Plan.
Its aim and objectives are:
There are no additional financial implications associated with this policy.
Additional support for victims and witnesses is delivered in accordance with need and associated costs (such as interpreters, specialist support and staff training) incurred by the implementation of this policy will be met through existing budgets and partnerships.
Essex Police will ensure that resource levels are monitored to enable them to respond in a timely and professional manner to victim and witness needs and that staff have sufficient skills to undertake the role they are required to perform.
Essex Police will ensure all investigators have access to current investigative knowledge and updates that arise from legislative or procedural change, identified good or effective practice, and developments in forensic or other investigative support capability. Similarly, Witness Care staff will receive continuing professional development.
Risks associated with this policy are confined to those affecting the reputation of Essex Police brought about by a failure to implement the provisions within this policy.
The following have been consulted during the formulation of this document:
This policy will be monitored by the Victim Services Manager, who will ensure that the content is reviewed every 3 years to ensure it remains compliant with legislation and contains best practice for supporting victims and witnesses.
Essex Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management Policy – W 1000 Policy – Information Management.
Essex Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention & Disposal Policy – W 1012 Procedure/SOP - Records Review, Retention and Disposal.
We will only hold data for as long as necessary for the purposes for which we collected. Victims/public should be reminded that Essex Police take the protection of personal data seriously as described in the privacy notice.
[1] As defined within the Victims Code 2021