Victims of crime in West Mercia can be confident they will get the right support, according to a national review.
The Ministry of Justice review of compliance against certain criteria in the Victims’ Code of Practice (VCOP) puts West Mercia’s compliance 6th out of more than 40 forces in England and Wales.
The VCOP introduced an enhanced level of service for victims of the most serious crime, including vulnerable and intimidated victims. It outlines the support and services that victims are entitled to receive from criminal justice agencies.
In 2019, PCC John Campion set up the Victim Advice Line to ensure that victims across West Mercia receive a bespoke service which fully supports their individual needs.
PCC John Campion said: “I'm committed to making sure that we put victims and survivors first in West Mercia. That means having the right services for the most vulnerable when they need it and making sure that victims and survivors get timely and consistent support. This review shows one part of how that promise is being delivered for our communities, with some of the best results nationwide, which are a credit to the hard working team at the Victims Advice Line.
“It is vital we continue offering the best possible services to victims and build on these excellent foundations moving forwards.”
Matthew Chester, Head of Victim Services at West Mercia Police, added: “We strive to ensure that any victim of crime in West Mercia receives the best possible service from us, and are at the centre of everything we do. I’m delighted that the Victim Advice Line is having a positive impact on the communities we serve by ensuring that victims have access to the support and information they need.”
Issued on: Tuesday 21st July 2020
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