Guidelines to tackle witness intimidation published

The government has published new guidelines today on how to more effectively tackle the problem of witness intimidation.

It is hoped that the recommendations will see improved assessment of the risk of intimidation and a better system of fasttrack re-housing for victims and witnesses who may need to move locations at short notice. The Home Office believe that the strategy will encourage courts and police to take action to combat intimidation.

Home Office Minister, Lord Falconer said: "Dealing with witness intimidation must be a high priority for the criminal justice system. At least 10% of crimes reported to the police result in witnesses being intimidated, and too many crimes are not reported to the police at all because of the fear of intimidation.

"This strategy includes recommendations that intimidated witnesses be given far greater support in the community and, in circumstances of greater risk, are offered alternative accommodation away from the defendant and his family."

Also published today is the Witness Satisfaction survey, which finds that the government has failed its performance target on witness satisfaction levels with the criminal justice system. Overall satisfaction has increased 2% since 2000 with 78% approval rating – which is below the government target of 5%.

"Although the five per cent rise in satisfaction we were hoping for was not achieved, a two percent increase is certainly a step in the right direction," Lord Falconer said.

"I am confident that these new measures to tackle witness intimidation, as part of the wider package of measures we are taking to improve services to victims and witnesses, will ensure that witness satisfaction continues to rise."

The study, carried out in 2002, involved over 3,000 witnesses and examined all aspects of their experience from first contact with the police to their experience at court and beyond.

(GMcG)