Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis has welcomed the Government’s new Criminal Justice Strategy and Action plan which calls for a leaner system that uses modern technology to benefit victims.
The digitalisation of the criminal justice system will be fundamental to the Commissioner’s Safer, Fairer, United Communities strategy which will be launched for consultation across Staffordshire on Monday, 1 July.
Supporting victims and witnesses is one of four key priorities in the five-year strategy which outlines how he will overhaul the system to fit victims and witnesses’ needs.
This includes the development of a victim and witness gateway where the work of support organisations is joined up in an understandable way.
A password protected internet case tracker will also be created for victims and witnesses to update them about the status and progress of their case.
Mr Ellis said: “For too long people have had to fit the criminal justice system rather than the system fitting them.
“Victims tell me the system is confusing and, all too often, they have to find their way through a myriad of contacts at different agencies to get the help they require.
“There needs to be a single gateway that provides direction, protection and support and places victims and their families at the heart of the process.
“The criminal justice system currently relies on cumbersome methods which sees reams of paperwork being transported from place to place leading to disconnected information sharing. This often causes delayed or abandoned cases, inconvenience to those involved and costs the tax payer more than is necessary.
“Digitalising the system so that technology is used to provide a faster, safer and more cost effective outcome will free up time and serve victims so much better.
“This could mean that witnesses and victims are interviewed at home via digital media at a convenient time for them plus the electronic transfer of files between all those involved.
“I want criminal justice agencies working better for victims by improving the complicated system and making sure it’s effective and joined up.”
To view the Safer, Fairer, United Communities strategy from Monday visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk
