3:40pm Sunday 29th November 2009
NEWLY released figures show that the introduction of dedicated teams to assist victims and witnesses of crime are having a positive effect in Trafford, it is claimed.
There has been a 4.4 per cent increase in witnesses attending court recorded in the past three years.
Witness Care Units – jointly staffed by Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service – were rolled-out across Greater Manchester as part of the No Witness, No Justice initiative in late 2005 and 2006.
Since that time, there has been an overall improvement across the region in the numbers of witnesses – including victims of crime – attending court, giving their evidence and helping ensure justice is achieved.
The news came as three of the witness care units officially merged to form a 13-strong fully-trained ‘super unit’ aimed at providing practical and moral support to victims and witnesses.
The new Trafford, Salford and Stockport Combined Witness Care Unit was formally opened by the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Peter Fahy, and Robert Marshall, chief crown prosecutor for Greater Manchester.
Speaking at the opening, Mr Marshall said: “This new combined witness care unit for Trafford, Salford and Stockport will provide a clear, single point of contact for victims and witnesses involved in the criminal justice system. Not only is it vital that witnesses come forward in the first instance, but also that they are given the necessary support throughout the period leading up to, and during, any trial.”
Mr Fahy said: “The witness care unit is already an outstanding success and I believe combining the units from Trafford, Salford and Stockport will help provide a better service to people across these areas.”
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