We offer a minimum standard of service...

The Witness Charter, which provides a commitment from the Criminal Justice System (CJS) to offer a minimum standard of service to all non-expert witnesses.

The Charter consists of 34 standards that set out the level of service that witnesses should receive at each stage of the criminal justice process. It covers the period of engagement from when they report a crime or incident through to court and post-trial support. It brings together, for the first time, standards that already exist through the No Witness No Justice programme and the Policing Pledge, to ensure every witness gets a level of service tailored to their needs.

With witnesses at the heart of the Criminal Justice System, Suffolk introduced the Witness Charter to inform witnesses of how they can expect to be treated by the Police and subsequently by other Criminal Justice agencies and lawyers if asked to give evidence for the prosecution or defence in a criminal court.

The Witness Charter also sets out what help and support witnesses can expect to receive at every stage of the process from all the agencies and lawyers involved in 'Our Promise to You' booklet highlighting the various steps and support available to witnesses.

To access the Our Promise to You please click here