Victim survey to remain open permanently as source of feedback for police

The initially one-off Victims’ Voice consultation set up by Herts police and crime commissioner David Lloyd is to remain open to help the force identify where it can improve in its dealings with victims.

In its first two months, almost 400 responses have been received – which will be used to shape a new victims’ service in the county, from April as the commissioner takes over the £1.26million victims’ services budget from central government – click here for more.

Mr Lloyd said: “I am delighted that Victims’ Voice will remain open. The responses to the survey so far have been invaluable in helping shape the new service that will be launched in April.

“Victim input is a vital cog in my strategy to create a more victim-centred criminal justice system in the county.

“The new arrangements will be made-to-measure for victims of crime in Hertfordshire rather than a one-size-fits-all approach that we’ve had up to now.”

According to Herts Police, the survey responses between October and December reveal that more than 4% of those taking part – around 17 in 391 – indicated they did not report their crimes to police.

Mr Lloyd added: “The consultation has so far provided a range of responses, many of which have been quite poignant to reflect on. Some respondents indicated that they had not reported the crime to police and while I would always urge people to report offences, I am grateful that they still chose to take part in the survey.

“We’ve long known that a proportion of crimes go unreported however my aim is to represent all victims of crime whether it was reported or not, and I want the new service to reflect that.”
For more, visit www.victimsvoice-herts.info or call 0800 999 7499 free from landlines.

Those who do not want to take part in a formal survey but still want to have their say can email comments to [email protected]