 Working with Intimidated Witnesses
Left unchecked, witness intimidation not only hinders efforts to bring more offences to justice, but significantly impacts on confidence in the criminal justice system, maintaining a climate of fear and powerlessness to act to prevent and tackle crime.
Providing the right kind of support to intimidated witnesses from the very first point of contact is vital in building trust. And the continued effectiveness of that support will depend on how well agencies work together to meet witness needs.
OCJR has developed guidance in consultation with local criminal justice organisations (including police forces, Witness Care Units, Victim Support and voluntary agencies) to assist practitioners to identify intimidated witnesses at an early stage, monitor and contain the level of intimidation and provide appropriate support throughout the criminal justice process.
The Working with Intimidated Witnesses Manual and Action Dispels Fear Good Practice Guide provide information on a wide range of issues relating to standards of witness care and aim to promote better working practices, improve communication and increase collaboration among criminal justice agencies. We hope the guidance will ultimately lead to a greater awareness of and sensitivity to the needs of intimidated witnesses.
Copies of the publications are available on ……
Julie Clouder
JulieA.clouder@cjs.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7035 8458
Head of Witness Intimidation and protection Section
OCJR
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