Responding to the HMICFRS – Pre-charge bail and released under investigation report, the West Midlands Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Waheed Saleem said:
“This report highlights some very stark issues relating to bail conditions.
“I am very concerned, especially, around the large numbers of domestic abuse perpetrators who are Released Under Investigation for long periods of time.
“In many of these cases, where harm is highly likely, this is simply inappropriate.
“The current system is clearly unsuitable for victims and in many cases leaves them more vulnerable and feeling unsafe.
“I have recently led a wide ranging piece of work in the West Midlands which has reviewed the services provided to vulnerable victims by the police and other criminal justice agencies.
“This report from HMICFRS echoes what I heard directly from victims when undertaking the review.
“We’re now working through putting into place the recommendations from that report to ensure that all victims of crime receive the best response from the police.
“It is also vital that victims are kept up to date with the investigation and prosecution of a case, as is enshrined in the new Victims’ Code.
“This report from HMICFRS shows a large number of issues with the current Released Under Investigation and bail conditions.
“I fully endorse the call to review the legislation to ensure that victims are kept safe and that the criminal justice system can effectively do its job.”
