Elected Norfolk police commissioner “must make sure victims voices heard”

Prospective candidates for Norfolk's first elected police and crime commissioner (PCC) will today hear how they should do everything in their power to make sure victims' voices are heard when they take up their post.

A report conducted by Victim Support, as part of the Victims' Services Advocates Project, highlights recommendations for the first incumbent of the controversial new role when they replace police authorities in November.

The Norfolk report, which will be launched today at police headquarters in Wymondham, with potential PCC candidates including Mervyn Lambert among those in attendance, includes calls for PCCs to:

n Ensure that victims' issues are prioritised by appointing a senior member of their team as the 'Norfolk victims' champion' responsible for all aspects of victim services.

n Ensure the sustainability of independent services for victims, both in the immediate aftermath of a crime and for the longer term, through an outcomes-based approach.

n Establish a Norfolk multi-agency victim hub which will provide a single on-going point of contact for victims, who are not automatically referred or do not directly access other agencies.

n Invest in training and support for volunteer community resources to provide cost-effective support services, and to reach victims in diverse communities and those facing barriers to accessing services.

n Ensure that victims' voices are heard by providing support for increased use of measures such as victims' personal statements, and restorative justice programmes.

peter.walsh@archant.co.uk