This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Informing victims of crime in Dumfries
13/02/2004
Prosecutors and police inDumfrieshave joined forces to make sure that victims and bereaved next-of-kin get the information and support that they need.
Area Procurator Fiscal David Howdle, Victim Information and Advice Officer Shenagh Rafferty and Chief Constable David Strang today agreed on a joint protocol on providing information to victims of crime.
It is designed to ensure that victims and bereaved next-of-kin are provided with relevant information on their specific case. It also sets out clearly who has responsibility for providing information and establishes systems for improved communication between the police and fiscal.
Mr Howdle said:
"We are committed to improving the service we provide to victims in theDumfriesandGallowayarea. This protocol is an important part of this drive, helping us to communicate more effectively with the police, and formalising arrangements for the involvement of our Victim Information and Advice service so that victims can have access to vital information and support. "
David Strangsaid:
"This protocol is further evidence of our commitment to engaging in partnerships with other agencies. It will enable Dumfriesand Galloway Constabulary and the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service to work together, ensuring that victims of crime receive the information and support they require."
The comes as part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's determination to improve the service offered to local communities and victims of crime and follows the opening of the Dumfries Victim Information and Advice office in August 2003.
A part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and based at Dumfries Procurator Fiscal office, the staff there provide a dedicated service offering information and advice to victims of crime, bereaved next-of-kin and vulnerable witnesses.
VIA's aims are:
to inform and advise certain victims, witnesses and bereaved next of kin about the criminal justice process in general
to provide information about the progress of the case that affects them in particular
to inform and advise victims and bereaved next of kin about support services
to facilitate referral to other agencies for specialist support and counselling as required
Offices are currently operational in the Grampian and Lanarkshire areas; Dumfries (also covering Kirkcudbright); Dundee; Edinburgh; Glasgow; Hamilton; Inverness; Kilmarnock; Kirkcaldy; Paisley and Stirling.