Research into victim and suspect experiences of changes to the Police and Crime Act 2017
In 2019, HMICFRS commissioned BritainThinks to conduct qualitative research to explore victim and suspect experiences of changes made as a result of the Policing and Crime Act (PCA) 2017.
The PCA 2017 brought several changes to the way police use pre-charge bail. It included the presumption that the police will release suspects, unless bail can be justified, without obligation to return to police custody. This is referred to as ‘released under investigation’.
The research supported our inspection, and aimed to explore:
- knowledge and awareness of the application of pre-charge bail or release under investigation (RUI); and
- the perceived impact of changes to the use of pre-charge bail in the PCA 2017 on victims and suspects.
The findings of this research reflect the views of 27 victims of crime and 20 professional representatives.
This research also provides wider insights into victims’ experiences of the police and the criminal justice system.
Read the BritainThinks research report
Read the inspection report
Pre-charge bail and released under investigation: striking a balance
Get the press release
Further changes to bail legislation must consider victim’s needs