Criminal justice system 'must work for everyone'
Criminal justice agencies across Wiltshire are working together to reduce offending and improve services for victims and witnesses in Wiltshire.
The criminal justice system is bigger than one agency, and Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board (WCJB) brings together Wiltshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, National Probation Service, Erlestoke Prison, HM Court and Tribunals Service and local authorities amongst others.
Chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon (PCC), Angus Macpherson, the board aims to improve and standardise the service provided to victims and witnesses across the county and reduce reoffending by ensuring effective rehabilitation of offenders.
PCC Angus Macpherson said: "It's clear that a one size fits all approach doesn't work for individuals in the criminal justice system, be that victims, witnesses or offenders.
"By bringing together agencies that play a key role in the system, we can ensure a partnership approach to ensure that the needs of the community are met.
"Areas being explored include accommodation for those released from prison, quality of police investigations and enhanced victim support services."
Today (Wednesday 7th November), a number of agencies that sit on the board have also signed the charter for families bereaved through public tragedy.
This charter was introduced after the Hillsborough disaster, to ensure that lessons have been learnt and the perspective of bereaved families is not lost.
Mr Macpherson added: "Only by working together are we able to elicit change and improve the system.
"By signing this Charter we are recognising that we must be transparent, and place the public interest above our own reputations. If we get it wrong, then we must be honest, accountable and assist in the search for the truth."
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable, Kier Pritchard who also sits on the board said: "Policing is only one element of the criminal justice system and it's important that we're able to work alongside our partners to provide the best service to the public.
"Signing the charter today demonstrates the force's commitment in learning the lessons of the past and recognising what we can do in future to support those bereaved through public tragedy getting the justice they deserve."
The charter has been signed by:
PCC Angus Macpherson
Kier Pritchard - Chief Constable, Wiltshire Police
Jo Jakymec - Wessex Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS
Cherry Jones - Director of Public Health, Swindon Borough Council
Andrea Brazier - YOT service Manager, Wiltshire Council
John Wiseman - Probation Director, South West Community rehabilitation companies
Tim Knight - Governor, Erlestoke Prison