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Witness Care Unit

The Witness Care Unit is run by the police and provides support to victims and witnesses in both the Magistrates and Crown Court

If you have been called to court, the Witness Care Unit can make a referral to the Witness Service, run by the Citizens Advice Bureau. Getting involved with the Witness Service - Citizens Advice

They can provide or arrange a pre-trial visit to the court, explain what to expect and support you at any court appearance.

Your Witness Care Officer will:

  • Provide you with advice and support to prepare you for court,
  • Discuss your availability and obtain any dates you would not be able to attend Court, if you are called as a witness,
  • Keep you informed of any developments in the case, such as details of court hearings and the final outcome of the case,
  • Help you if you are being intimidated, such as listen to your concerns and, either ask the Officer in charge to make contact or refer you to ‘reporting to the Police’ where necessary,
  • Offer practical help, including help with travel arrangements, finding suitable childcare, overcoming language barriers or making arrangements to accommodate any disability you may have,
  • Put you in touch with the Victim Care Unit, who can provide additional support, advice, and referrals to support services to help you cope and recover from the impact of crime,
  • Make a referral to Citizens Advice (Witness Service) to arrange pretrial visits to court and support at court during the trial,
  • If appropriate in your case, talk to you about special measures, such as the use of a screen in court or to giving evidence via video link. There are also other special measures which can be discussed.
  • Talk to you about Restorative Justice and what this means at the end of your case,

The Witness Care Unit can be contacted on the following telephone numbers and email addresses.

Lines open 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday