West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has called for the Victims’ Code to always be at the forefront of the criminal justice system.
The PCC said: “One of the key principles in my Police and Crime Plan is that the rights and welfare of victims – as set out in the Victims’ Code – must always be at the forefront of the service provided by policing and the wider criminal justice system. My Declaration of Office requires me to be a voice for victims of crime.
“The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 has created new duties relating to Code awareness and compliance, monitoring compliance with the Victims Code and a requirement that I must keep under review, whether and how criminal justice bodies provide services in accordance with the duty. There can be no excuse for non-compliance with the Victims Code, in particular because it has been in place for 19 years.
“That is why, on 26 September, in my capacity as Chair of the Local Criminal Justice Board, I brought together criminal justice partners from across the West Midlands – to work together collectively and collaboratively – to ensure the West Midlands is a leader – when it comes to the ways in which victims of crime experience the criminal justice system – so that victims have the very best possible opportunity to access justice – and the help and support they need – at all times.”
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