New Victims' Code will help ensure consistent good quality service to victims

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Victims, Deputy Chief Constable Emma Barnett, said:

“We welcome the new Victims’ Code and are committed to delivering a good quality service to victims. This is a fundamental part of policing and one of the main reasons why people join the police. Delivering the rights under the Code ensures victims receive the right support, that helps in their recovery, but also enables them to give their best evidence.

“All forces are committed to implementing the new Code as part of their existing local approaches to victims and witnesses, which includes working with partners locally. Nationally, we have provided guidance and have been working closely with the College of Policing to ensure that officers and staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Victims’ Code.

“We will continue to work with forces and with partners across the criminal justice system to ensure that policing delivers a consistent, good quality service to victims and witnesses across the country.”

The NPCC has been working with the College of Policing to bring together relevant guidance, training and materials for officers and staff, which can be accessed from a dedicated webpage on the College’s website, here. It contains a video from DCC Barnett on why it is essential that everyone in policing has a professional and personal duty to victims as part of their core role. The website will continue to be updated with links to new and relevant materials when available.