Crime No: Reporting Officer: Email Address of Officer:

for advice and information on your crime contact the officer in the case on 101.

Victim Care Booklet

This booklet provides information for victims of crime and aims to explain the services provided by the police and other agencies.
If you have access to the Internet, information has been developed to explain the reporting of crime, police investigation, prosecution decision making, court processes and sentencing. It also provides information on the personal support that is available at all stages to victims. Please visit the victims and witnesses section at www.cps.gov.uk for a step-by-step guide about what to expect If you do not have internet access UK Online offers free or low-cost access to the Internet in over 6000 centres, including many libraries throughout the UK. Call 0800 77 1234 to find your nearest centre.

traffic collisions.

How to contact us about this case

Due to shift work and the unpredictable nature of policing it may not always be possible to speak directly with the officer dealing with your case at short notice. Therefore, if you have an enquiry or information relating to the crime you have reported please contact the communications centre on the nonemergency number, 101, who will ensure that a message is passed to the officer dealing. Or alternatively email either the officer directly with yourquery or direct it to the central email address lancashirepolice@lancashire.pnn.police.uk where it will be forwarded accordingly. In an emergency dial 999.

www.lancashire.police.uk

Lancashire Constabulary promise to give the best possible service to victims of crime.

This booklet has been funded by money recovered in Lancashire under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Victim Care Booklet

Our promise to you

Lancashire Constabulary is committed to providing a high quality of service in relation to the management and investigation of the crime you have reported.
We will:  Treat you fairly with dignity and respect at all times  If you are vulnerable or intimidated provide you with further help and support  Acknowledge any dissatisfaction with the service you have received no later than 1 working day of reporting it to us.  Ensure your Neighbourhood policing team and other police patrols are visible and in your neighbourhood when they will be most effective and when you tell us you most need them.  Arrange monthly local meetings to agree your policing priorities giving you the chance to meet your local policing team.  Follow up all evidential leads and where possible make every effort to bring the offender to justice.  Take appropriate action to reduce crime in your neighbourhood and reduce the likelihood of you becoming a victim again.  Listen carefully to you and do our best to understand what you need;  Be clear on what action needs to be taken and discuss that with you;  Refer you to Victim Support or give you information about the types of support available in your area, unless you do not want us to.  Encourage you to tell us about the service you have received.

 You will be told of the dates of court hearings and told if you will be needed as a witness  You will be kept informed about the outcome of cases including, if any offender is found guilty information about the sentence given and any appeals

The service you can expect

Reporting your crime
The details you have provided about your crime will be used to create a report that will be allocated a unique crime reference number. This report will be added to Lancashire Constabularys crime database.

This means that every officer who is investigating other offences will be able to view the details of your crime. This can help with the identification of offenders; with the recovery of stolen property and with the identification of crime patterns. If after consideration of the facts the officer believes there is nothing further that can be done in the investigation of the crime you have reported, you will be told so as soon as possible. If there are ongoing enquiries, you will be kept informed of the progress on a monthly basis.

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Examining the scene

The police officer who attends the scene, if appropriate, will do an examination in order to secure and preserve evidence. A CSI (crime scene investigator) who is specially trained in locating and recovering forensic evidence may then visit to examine the scene further. It may be necessary for the CSI to photograph the crime scene and/or any injuries you may have received. If fingerprints are found in relation to your crime, you may be asked to provide your own fingerprints. This is because we need to be confident that the fingerprints found in connection with your crime are those of the offenders and not your own. If you are asked to provide fingerprints they will be destroyed at the end of the case.

If you have property stolen

By targeting those who we believe are committing crime, their vehicles and premises, police officers recover large quantities of stolen property. Sometimes items are recovered which are clearly stolen but cannot be linked to particular crimes. It is really important that you give as much detail as possible about your property, including makes, serial or model numbers. Photographs of items can sometimes help, especially if the item is unusual. If you want to update your property list please contact the officer in the case. It would be helpful if you have your crime number available if calling. If we recover property we think belongs to you, we will contact you so you can identify it. We may need a statement from you if the property is yours. We will aim to return any property as soon as possible but sometimes we may need to keep it until court proceedings have finished.

House-to-house enquiries
Sometimes the officer may need to speak to friends or neighbours to find out if they know anything relating to your incident which may help them with their enquiries. This may include seeing if any neighbouring properties have CCTV cameras.

Victim Care Booklet

What happens when the police have gone?

We will do all we can to investigate your crime and keep you up to date with any important developments. This may involve taking statements and speaking to witnesses or doing forensic tests. Our aim is to find and arrest the person responsible for your crime. Only when we have checked all available lines of enquiry and there is nothing more we can do will we close the case and explain to you the reason why. However, we continually look at crime patterns and target offenders and if at any time further information comes to light we will investigate and update you. We often solve crimes months or even years later. The Home Office has a Code of Practice for Victims of Crime that explains the standards you should expect from the criminal justice system, and, if you need to, how to complain. Visit the website for a copy of the code www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/ victims-code-of-practice

If we remove your vehicle

We will only remove a vehicle to a recovery garage to prevent further loss or damage to it, or if it is causing an obstruction to other road users. Sometimes we need to remove your vehicle to examine it. Your vehicle cannot be released back to you without agreement from the police this is to make sure all necessary enquiries are completed and no evidence is lost. We understand this may be inconvenient to you and will try to finish our enquiries as quickly as possible. Before you can get back your vehicle you will need to pay a fee to the recovery garage. In most circumstances, insurance companies will meet this cost, however, you must check with your own insurance company to make sure you are covered.

Crime prevention
The police officer may have given you advice on crime prevention. For more detailed advice visit the Help & Advice section at www.lancashire.police.uk or the crime prevention sections at www.homeoffice.gov.uk

www.lancashire.police.uk

Neighbourhood Policing
The community where you live has a dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Team. They are working to keep you safe. You have the chance to voice your concerns on crime or disorder to them at local PACT (police and communities together) meetings or by contacting them direct. To find out who your neighbourhood team are, the policing priorities in your area and details of the next PACT meeting please visit www.lancashire.police.uk. You will need your postcode to view the details of your neighbourhood policing team.

Victim Support Service is a free and confidential charity separate to the police. The local Victim Support Service will then contact you and can provide you, your family and friends with appropriate information and support.

Victim Support Service & Witness Service

We will refer you to the Victim Support Service EXCEPT for offences relating to theft of or from motor vehicles or tampering with motor vehicles and minor criminal damage. However, factors such as repeat victimisation, vulnerable victims or victims of hate crime will ensure a referral to the Victim Support Service. We will ONLY pass on details of victims of sexual offences, domestic violence or details of the relatives of homicide victims if we have received consent to do so.

Victim Care Booklet

Giving a statement
If you are asked to provide a witness statement and someone is charged with the crime, you may be required to give evidence in court. Everyone involved with the case will read your statement, for example the police, the CPS, the defence and the magistrates or judge. You may also want to make a Victim Personal Statement. It is entirely up to you but it will give you the opportunity to tell the criminal justice agencies how the crime has affected you physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially or in any other way. This statement will form part of the case papers and will be available to the defence if a suspect is prosecuted. For more information on the Victim Personal Statement visit www.cjsonline.gov.uk

It is a criminal offence to intimidate or frighten a witness or anyone helping the police in an investigation. It is also an offence to make someone afraid by, for example, stalking them. If you believe you have suffered harassment or fear of violence then you should contact the police so we can take appropriate action. If we arrest somebody relating to an offence of intimidation, bail conditions are often imposed to protect victims and witnesses. If the offender has been convicted, the criminal court can make a restraining order to stop them coming near you. You can also ask a civil court for an injunction to stop someones threatening behaviour. If you suffer intimidation as a result of reporting this crime it is important that you contact us so that action can be taken to help you. Police non emergency number 101 If you need urgent police attendance, dial 999.

What to do if you feel intimidated

Intimidation can take a number of forms, from assault and damage to property, to threats and verbal abuse. Every case is different and how the police will deal with them will vary. The police, voluntary support organisations and witness care units (if the matter goes to court) all have a role to play to make you feel safe, informed and supported.

Crime statistics sh ow Lancashire is a safe place to w ork and live

www.lancashire.police.uk

Prosecution
When a suspect is identified
If a suspect is identified for your crime the police will make enquiries and gather all the evidence before a decision is made whether or not there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case against them. If the police arrest a suspect and there is not enough evidence at that time to charge them, the person may be released on bail to allow the police to make further enquiries. When all enquiries are complete, if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case, the police may do so in the following ways:

Cautions, reprimands and final warnings

If a person receives a caution, a reprimand or a final warning this will be issued at the police station by a senior police officer. Cautions are given to adults, often to those who have no previous or recent criminal history. Reprimands and final warnings are given to youth offenders in an effort to divert them from the court system. Reprimands are often given to those who have no previous or recent criminal history. To receive a caution, a reprimand or a final warning the person arrested is likely to have spent some time in police custody and has to have admitted the offence.

Charge or summons
A person may be charged at a police station following their arrest. If so they will then either be kept in custody until the court hearing or they will be released on bail to attend court at a later date. If they are released on bail it will either be unconditional or have conditions attached to it. Alternatively, a person may be issued with a summons ordering them to attend court.

Victim Care Booklet

These offenders will have their fingerprints, photograph and DNA taken and kept by the police. When someone receives a caution, a reprimand or a final warning, their details are recorded and kept on the Police National Computer. These records can influence further prosecution decisions should the person be arrested in the future. If convicted in the future the caution, reprimand or final warning can be mentioned at court.

Conditional caution
Sometimes a conditional caution is given. Here the police caution the offender who will then have to comply with at least one of the following:
K Pay compensation K Repair any damage caused K Write a letter of apology K Mandatory attendance at a rehabilitation programme aimed at stopping their offending K To undertake community work

e tabulary have on Lancashire Cons n io ct ime dete of the highest cr try un co e th rates in

www.lancashire.police.uk

If the offender breaks the conditions imposed they can then be taken to court for the original offence.

Penalty notice for disorder

Penalty notices are issued for anti-social behaviour, public order and certain types of crime. A penalty notice is a fine that can be issued by a police officer. Once issued the offender must pay the amount shown on the notice within 28 days. If the money is not paid the fine will then be registered at a local magistrates court.

Restorative Justice
Not every victim wants the offender to go to court. They may want the offender to know the impact the offence has had on them and seek reassurance that it will not happen again. Restorative Justice is a process which all parties must agree to before it can take place. It brings the victim and offender together under police supervision, either face to face or indirectly. This may involve talking about the effect the crime has had on the victim and what can be done to repair the harm caused, to bring closure and to prevent repeat incidents. At the end of the process an outcome is reached which all parties involved have agreed to. Restorative justice can also be used in conjunction with other methods of disposal described in this leaflet.

The police prepare the case for the prosecution of the defendant and the CPS presents the case in court. Some cases can take longer than expected to be heard at court and this may be for many reasons, such as a need to trace witnesses or obtain documents prior to a court hearing. The CPS is guided by the Code for Crown Prosecutors. You can get a free copy of this code by calling the information branch of the CPS on 020 7796 8000.

Lancashire Cons tabulary - target ting the criminals th at targetted you

Types of court
Depending upon the crime most cases are heard in a Magistrates Court where the lawyer is usually employed by the CPS. For more serious charges, cases will be heard at a Crown Court where either a CPS lawyer or a barrister employed to represent the CPS, will conduct the trial.

Victim Care Booklet

Appearing at court
The majority of hearings are resolved at court without victims or witnesses having to give evidence, however if you are called as a witness to attend court, you will be contacted by the Witness Care Unit. When you go to court the Witness Service (run by the Victim Support Service) can explain court procedures, provide you with a quiet place to wait until you are called to give evidence and help you with expense forms. A volunteer from the Witness Service can go with you into the courtroom, if you wish. The service is confidential and available before, during and after a court case. The service is free and independent of the police or courts. For details call Victim Support on 0845 30 30 900 and ask for information about the Witness Service. The defendant will be present throughout the case and will be able to hear all of the evidence. As a witness you will not be able to listen to the case until after you have given evidence. You may remain in court if you wish (except for in Youth Courts) but you must not speak to other witnesses that are yet to give their evidence.

Evidence presented at the court is for the benefit of the magistrates, or the judge and jury. You may not be able to see the evidence being discussed (such as diagrams or videos). In some cases police officers will be in court and may be able to help explain what is happening.

Intermediaries
An intermediary is someone who can help a witness with communication difficulties to understand questions they are asked and to convey the witnesses reply to the court. For details contact the police officer dealing with your case.

Special Measures
Special Measures are available to assist vulnerable and intimidated witnesses when giving evidence in court. Some witnesses qualify automatically for special measures because of their age or type of offence witnessed. It is for the judge or magistrate to decide how a witness can be helped. The measures they can consider will depend upon the type of case and individual circumstances of the witness but can include:
K The provision of screens in court to shield the witness from the accused person

K A live video link for the witness to provide their evidence from outside the court into the courtroom

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K Evidence being given in private K Video-recorded evidence K Examination of witnesses through an intermediary

K Communication aids or communicators to ensure the witness can give their best evidence.

You can get this from the police, from Victim Support, from your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau, or from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority on 0800 358 3601 or go to www.cica.gov.uk

If you feel you may require special measures you can contact the police officer dealing with your case. For further information on special measures you can visit www.cps.gov.uk/Victims and Witnesses section.

Motor Insurers Bureau

If you suffer injury, loss, or damage to property as the result of a road traffic incident involving a motor vehicle, you will normally be eligible for a payment made by the vehicle owners insurance company. Where the offender is not traced or uninsured, compensation may be available from the Motor Insurers Bureau. If the police have not traced the offender, only personal injury compensation may be available. To claim, or to find out more, contact the Motor Insurers Bureau telephone 01908 830001 or go to www.mib.org.uk

Additional Information
Criminal injuries compensation
If you have been injured in a violent crime, you can apply for a payment under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. For information about the scheme, ask for the leaflet Victims of crimes of violent offences A guide to the criminal injuries compensation scheme.

Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers is a charity independent to the police where you can give information anonymously about crime or to report a crime. The number is 0800 555 111 or you can fill in an online form at www.crimestoppers-org.uk

Victim Care Booklet

Feedback
How did we do?
Your views about the service you have received are important to Lancashire Constabulary. Sometimes we survey members of the public (including those who have experienced crime) to help us improve our service. These surveys are done by a member of the constabulary, a market research organisation or a university.

If you have any suggestions, comments, positive or otherwise, regarding the service you have received from the police, please contact the: Team Leader Customer Services Department Lancashire Constabulary Hutton, Preston, Lancashire PR4 5SB By letter or via e-mail at lancashirepolice@lancashire.pnn.police.uk Alternatively you can telephone 01772 410593/4

Lancashire Cons tabulary - worki ng 24/7 to keep you safe

www.lancashire.police.uk

If you have any complaints about the police, you can write to: Detective Superintendent Professional Standards Department Police Headquarters PO Box 77 Hutton, Preston, Lancashire PR4 5SB Or telephone our Advice Line on 01772 412601 or visit the website www.lancashire.police.uk

Useful contact numbers

AA 0800 88 77 66 Accident Helpline 0500 19 29 39 Age Concern 0800 009966 Bereavement Care 0870 167 1677 Carers Line (advice for carers) 0808 808 7777 Childline 0800 1111 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Domestic violence refuge 0870 5995443 Drinkline 0800 917 8282 Fixed Penalty Enquiries 0845 1463030 Frank (drug advice) 0800 77 66 00 Freedom of Information 01772 618734 Gamcare (gambling dependency) 0845 6000 133 Help the Aged - Seniorline 0808 800 6565 Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service 0800 1691125 Lone Parent Helpline 0800 0185026 National Debt Line 0808 808 4000 National Drugs Helpline 0800 776600 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 National Travel Line (Bus Enquiries) 0871 200 2233 NHS Direct 0845 46 47 NSPCC 0800 800 500 Police Non Emergency number 101 RAC 0800 82 82 82 Relate 0845 1304010 Samaritans 0845 7 90 90 90 Shelter 24 hr 0808 800 4444 Tackling Drugs hotline 0800 1698994 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Witness Care Unit 01282 473699 Blackburn & Burnley areas Witness Care Unit 01772 208284 Preston & South West Lancashire Areas Witness Care Unit 01253 743856 Blackpool & Fylde areas Witness Care Unit 01524 386743 Lancaster area

Victim Care Booklet

If you would like a version of this leaflet in a larger text format, then please call on 01254 353475

01254 353475

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01254 353475 01772 412262

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or email your request to lancashirepolice@lancashire.pnn.police.uk

Lancashire Constabulary Corporate Communications 8505 (2012)