Crime and intelligence - Police response to victims and witnesses policy (N15)

1. Summary of changes

1.1. This policy has been reviewed in March 2024 - no amendments to content have been made. 

2. What this policy is about

2.1. The purpose of this policy and linked SOPs is to detail how Kent Police will deliver services to victims and witnesses following the report of a crime and throughout the criminal justice process.

2.2. Linked standard operating procedures

• N15a delivering the victim code and the witness charter in Kent
• N15b taking statements
• N15d supporting victims and witnesses with no leave to remain in the UK

3. Statement of policy

This policy is devised to ensure that victims and witnesses receive a first-class service from Kent Police and are provided with the practical and emotional support they require. It seeks to deliver victims’ rights in line with the victim code of practice and the standards of service described within the witness charter.

This policy aims to ensure that victims and witnesses receive a full and proper assessment, including identifying those eligible for enhanced services. It aims to ensure that, together with other agencies, Kent Police provides a service and support to the individual that maximises their ability to access and remain in the criminal justice process.

This policy reflects Kent Police’s priority of putting victims and witnesses first.

4. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.1. An EIA has been carried out and shows the proposals in this policy would have no potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, transgender, disability, age, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

5. Risk assessment

5.1. This policy has been assessed as medium risk.

6. Consultation

6.1. This policy has been subject of previous extensive consultation. Where changes have been made, consultation has taken place with the relevant stakeholders.

7. Monitoring and review

7.1. This policy is in line with the Victim Code of Practice and the Witness Charter. It will be reviewed annually and/or following changes or revision to either document by the victim and witness champion. 

7.2. Notwithstanding 7.1, this policy will be reviewed yearly with the next review scheduled for March 2025.  

8. Other source documents

None listed.

9. Security

9.1. Kent Police has measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our information management policy. 

10. Retention and disposal of records

10.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.