Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry gives oral evidence during the Public Bill Committee in Parliament.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry has told told law-makers that the recent tragic killings in Nottingham have illustrated why victim-focused collaboration is so essential after major incidents.
Commissioner Henry spoke to the Public Bill Committee in Parliament as part of the scrutiny of a proposed new law setting out how agencies should work together to support victims of crime and prisoners.
The Victims and Prisoners Bill proposals include creating a role for Police and Crime Commissioners in monitoring compliance with the Victims’ Code by criminal justice bodies in their area. It also sets out plans to improve support, including a statutory duty for partner agencies to collaborate.
Commissioner Henry was invited to give oral evidence to the committee yesterday (Tuesday 20 June) in her new role as Joint Lead for Victims for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.
She said: “I would like to take a moment to mention the terrible events in Nottingham last week and to repeat again to the families and friends of those affected: you are in our thoughts.
“This Bill proposes to introduce a requirement to collaborate. Partners are already working together in Nottingham and in many other places to support victims – including the incredible work of our Notts Victim CARE service.
“It’s too early to learn the lessons from the awful events in Nottingham. Needs will emerge over time and further reflection is needed. However, we do know that collaboration is essential and that at all times we need to be victim-focussed. PCCs are ideally placed to facilitate that collaboration.”
Police and Crime Commissioners are elected not only to scrutinise and hold the police to account on behalf of the public – but also to commission services from partner organisations that help prevent and respond to crime and support victims and survivors in their area.
This ongoing role coordinating partnership efforts means they are uniquely placed to ensure partners comply with the Victims’ Code and share information to work as effectively together as possible with the victims’ needs at the forefront.
Notts Victim CARE, commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, is one example of a service to support people affected by crime in the county.
It has played a vital role in supporting people affected by last week’s tragedy, where three people were killed in stabbings and three people were injured in collisions with a vehicle.
Notts Victim CARE offers practical and emotional support, not just to victims of crime but also anyone who has been negatively impacted by crime indirectly.
People don’t need to have suffered a crime or a traumatic event directly to be fearful of it – but they can still get help from Notts Victim CARE.
There are people standing by to take calls now on 0800 304 7575 or nottsvictimcare.org.uk.
Posted on Wednesday 21st June 2023