Witness care unit
About us
Witness care units consist of police and Crown Prosecution (CPS) staff. We provide support and information to victims and witnesses from the moment a defendant is given their first court hearing date right through to the conclusion of the case.
Our role
- Keep you informed of important developments in the case as it progresses through the court. This means you will be contacted after each hearing so that you know what is happening.
- Provide you with support and advice if you a vulnerable person. You may be entitled give your evidence using special measures if you are required to go to court. These are available to certain witnesses/victims dependant on circumstances and can include such things as giving evidence via a TV link or being screened off from the court whilst giving evidence.
- Help you if you are being intimidated.
- Provide you with practical help if you are required to give your evidence in court. This means we can help you with things such as travel arrangements, finding suitable childcare, overcoming language barriers, or making arrangements for you should you have a disability.
- Let you know about other people who might be able to support you, such as Victim Support, the Witness Service or specialist agencies such as Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service.
Every case which goes to court will be allocated to a specified witness care officer. It is useful for you to think of this person as your single point of contact for anything you need to know about the case.
Every person who has to go to court will have a needs assessment completed with them by their witness care officer and so there will always be an opportunity for you to ask questions prior to going to court.
Contact your local witness care unit
Please select this link to view.
Other specialist advice
Please view our useful links in the right-hand menu, or contact your witness care officer if there is any specialist support or advice you require which you are having difficulty finding. Your witness care officer should be able to signpost you to a relevant agency.
- Created: 15/12/2010 10:32:06 |
- Modified: 22/12/2010 17:44:13