If your case goes to court

When you report a crime to us, we will do everything we can to detect the crime and arrest the person or people responsible.

If the police to charge the suspect(s), the case will be taken over by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which will decide whether there is enough evidence for the case to go to court.

• Most cases are handled by magistrates’ courses where they are tried by three lay magistrates or a District Judge. The most serious cases are sent to the Crown Court to be tried by a judge and jury.
• If you are not needed as a witness we will try to tell you about hearing dates. There could be several such dates if, for example, cases are delayed or postponed. We will also try to tell you about the result of the case.

If you are needed as a witness

If you are called as a witness you will be allocated a witness care officer to guide you through the experience. This officer will update you on court dates, take any questions you may have about the criminal justice system and reassure you about all aspects of your court appearance.

A pre-court visit to see the witness facilities and a walk around the court can be arranged. If you have dependants, making it difficult to attend court, your witness care officer can arrange a registered childminder.

If you require special treatment in the courtroom, the CPS can apply for special measures. For instance:

Screens may be made available to shield a witness from a defendant

Arrangements can be made to give evidence via a live TV link

Judges and lawyers can remove wigs and gowns

The public gallery can be cleared of people

The aim of the witness care officer’s role is to take the stress out of attending court and keep you up to date with any news in a way that is convenient to you. This can be in writing, by email, or even a text message.  Read more about the witness care unit by selecting this link.