Information for victims and witnesses
Victims
BIS fully supports the Prosecutors’ Pledge to victims issued by the Attorney General and we have issued a statement on how we put those principles into practice in our work.
The role of the witness
Witnesses play a crucial role in the criminal investigation and prosecution processes. They fulfil an important public duty in providing information during an investigation as well as giving evidence at court if later required to do so.
Key aspects of being a witness generally include:
- Providing copies of relevant documents;
- Retaining originals copies of relevant documents;
- Making a witness statement;
- Preparing to go to court; and
- Attending and giving evidence at court.
BIS is committed to ensuring that our witnesses are provided with the fullest possible information and support.
Support
The Court Witness Service provides support to victims of crime who become witnesses at court and to other people who are witnesses. This can include a pre-trial visit to the court to familiarise yourself and support when the witness is likely to give evidence. Additionally you will receive help and support from the BIS Law Clerk dealing with the case.
Contact with BIS
As a potential witness, your first contact with the department will be with the Investigation Officer who, in most cases, will take a witness statement from you. In each case where a decision to prosecute is made following the investigation, a Law Clerk is allocated to the case. The Law Clerk will then liaise directly with you – for example: to obtain information from you; to advise you of the progress of the case; and to advise you whether or not you will be required to attend court. Information may be provided in writing, over the telephone or even by text message.
