Derbyshires Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster has welcomed two reports published today, looking at the way in which the police and prosecutors work together to build trust and secure justice for victims of rape.
A joint inspection between HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) found some evidence of ineffective joint working between the police and prosecutors, contributing to lengthy delays in decision-making, poor outcomes and unacceptably poor communication with victims.
Commissioner Angelique Foster said: I am committed to doing my part in the delivery of the wider Violence against Women and Girls agenda currently being pursued by Government.
Its important to me that victims have confidence in the whole criminal justice system, from the moment they come forward to report a crime through to, and after, a court hearing. We must ensure that they are supported appropriately from beginning to end.
Like many people, I want to see more convictions, with more perpetrators brought to justice. Many victims find the length of time it takes for a case to come to court both stressful and frustrating. I intend to improve the work with our partners on the Local Criminal Justice Board, of which I am Chair, to find ways to get the process carried out more swiftly.
Violence against women and girls will feature in my Police and Crime Plan, due to be published later this year. It will set out how I intend to prioritise the work to tackle this type of crime and improve the support provided to victims.
I am determined that, working with the Chief Constable and our partners, we consistently deliver a first-class service to victims of crime in Derbyshire and Derby City with more perpetrators brought to justice.
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