HMIC and HMCPSI published a joint report today looking at identifying the vulnerability of victims and witnesses in prosecution cases. The report found that vulnerable victims and witnesses were being let down by an inconsistent approach to the management of criminal case files. Chief Inspector Kevin McGinty said:

“Witnesses are the cornerstone of any case, and good quality criminal case files are vital for a successful prosecution. The inspection found that whilst the quality of case files was as good, or slightly better, than earlier reviews had found, those dealing with vulnerable victims and witnesses were of a poorer quality than those that did not. Unless the needs of victims and vulnerable witnesses are identified and provided for in proceedings, the criminal justice system is failing them.

“It is also a matter of concern that in over half of the 459 police case files reviewed by inspectors, the witness care information was often either not included on the CPS electronic case file or could not be read. There seems little point in the police assessing and recording witness needs if this information is not then available to prosecutors.”

Full press release (126 kB)
Report: Witness for the prosecution: Identifying victim and witness vulnerability in criminal case files