PCC invites public questions ahead of scrutiny meeting focused on victims of crime

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is calling on residents to contribute to her latest scrutiny meeting examining the progress being made to improve the justice journey for victims of crime.

The County Durham and Darlington PCC hosts regular Public Accountability meetings to monitor the force’s performance against the key priorities of her new Police, Crime and Justice Plan.  In doing so, she is able to hold the Chief Constable and senior officers to account against the issues that the public have said is of most concern to them.

In her new meeting, to be held on Monday 23rd June, the PCC will receive an update on the force’s work to improve the experience of victims of crime as they navigate through the criminal justice system.

Residents and business owners are invited to submit questions ahead of the event which will be answered by the Chief Constable, PCC or senior officers during the meeting.  

The PCC has prioritised victims of crimes in her Police, Crime and Justice Plan, vowing to deliver a ‘first class service’ which includes faster justice, enhanced support and improved contact from the police.

Among the many commitments she has made to improve the experience of victims of crime through the justice system is a pledge to create more opportunities to listen to their voices and use their views to inform policy and the commissioning of services. She has also vowed to ensure the views of victims are considered throughout an investigation and ensure the force and commissioned services comply with their responsibilities under the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales (Victims Code). This sets out the minimum level of service victims can expect from criminal justice agencies.

Commissioner Joy Allen said: “Victims of crime are absolutely paramount to my work and are front and centre of my Police, Crime and Justice Plan. The support and care we provide to people amid the trauma, grief and shock of crime must be first class to give them the best possible chance of recovering physically, mentally and emotionally. I have made it my mission to ensure this high-quality of care is available - not only in County Durham and Darlington but beyond.

“We have undoubtedly made good progress, and this is largely due to courageous victims sharing their experiences so we can learn lessons and put things right quickly. This must continue, because there is always room for further improvement.

“I would encourage people who have experienced crime or who have questions on the services we provide to help victims recover to submit their questions ahead of this meeting to help guide our discussions on this vital issue. Your feedback is important to us and will help us to design solutions that are meaningful and effective.”

The PCC is at the forefront of delivering improved victim care nationally having been invited to join Baroness Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, on her new Advisory Group to support the implementation of the Victims’ and Prisoners Act and oversee compliance of the Victims’ Code.

Last month, the PCC hosted her second bi-annual Victims’ Conference which saw criminal justice experts from across the country and Baroness Newlove descend on Durham for a packed programme of speeches and workshops highlighting best practice in victim care.

Members of the public who wish to send questions ahead of the Public Accountability Meeting should do so before the deadline of Sunday 15th June. Questions should be submitted to: General.EnquiriesPCC@durham-pcc.gov.uk.

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