Crime victims and witnesses are being asked to help shape a radical rethink of services by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis.
Mr Ellis has set out a clear vision to put the needs of victims and witnesses first in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Consultation with individuals and support organisations launches this week and will run until the end of May. It only takes a few minutes for victims and witnesses, along with other members of the public, to give their views in an online survey at http://goo.gl/k0E2gU
All responses will contribute to an evidence base of research which will enable the PCC to commission services and provide a relevant, high level of service to victims and witnesses.
Mr Ellis said: “We will achieve better service and support for victims and witnesses by improving the complicated service and making sure it’s effective and more joined up.
“To do this, it’s crucial that we understand the views of both victims and witnesses and also fully understand what services are currently offered by support organisations.
“Putting the victim first in every aspect of what is done is at the heart of our strategy and I’m confident the improvements will result in better, more sensitive and more tailored services.”
Deputy PCC Sue Arnold is overseeing the review and reform of services on behalf of the Commissioner so that victims and witnesses are supported in ways that recognise their individual circumstances and needs better.
She said: “Feedback from this important survey will feed into work that is already underway through new investment and better systems to see all victims of any crime in Staffordshire offered support. Putting the victim first is our top priority. By April 2015 all victims will have the single gateway the Commissioner promised where one, joined-up agency, not the police, will take on the responsibility for providing a clearly mapped out support route for victims of crime.”
All survey responses should be submitted by Friday 30 May. To be sent a paper copy of the survey email heather.collier@staffordshire.gov.uk
The full link to the survey is: https://consultation.staffordshire.gov.uk/communications/yourviewsoncrimesupportservices
