Dealing with the police
Many victims of crime will find themselves dealing with the police after an incident
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Catching criminals and protecting the community is obviously the police's number one job. But they also help victims and witnesses of crime too. Even if you haven't personally reported a crime as the victim, someone who witnessed the incident might have reported it so there is a strong possibility that you will have to deal with the police after a crime.
If you do report a crime the police should give you a leaflet called Victims of crime. This explains what will happen next. They should also tell you the crime reference number for the incident. It's a good idea to make a note of this number somewhere safe - you will need it if you want to contact the police again about the incident and if you want to make an insurance or criminal injuries compensation claim.
When you report a crime the police should also ask you if you are happy for your details to be passed to Victim Support. If you say yes, this means we'll automatically get your contact information and brief details about the crime. We'll then contact you - normally by phone and within 48 hours - to see how we can help. If you say no to the police and change your mind later, don't worry as you can contact us directly at any time for help and support.
Once a crime has been reported, the police will start their investigation and try to find evidence. As the victim, they will need to talk to you and collect as much information as possible so that they can write up a statement. If you find it difficult or upsetting to talk to the police, you can ask for a break at any point. After the interview, you will be asked to read the statement they have taken to check that it is correct. The police will then ask you to sign it. They should also talk to you about whether or not you want to make a separate victim personal statement.
The police may also need to take samples from where the crime took place, such as photos or fingerprints. If you've been injured in a violent attack or suffered a sexual crime, the police will ask you whether you agree to having a medical examination. It's your decision to give consent or not but remember that this may be an important opportunity to help get forensic evidence that may help bring an attacker to justice.
Investigations can take some time. The police will give you the name and phone number of the officer or 'crime desk' responsible for your case and will keep you informed of significant developments in your case. If you want to to contact them, it's a good idea to tell them the crime number so they can identify your case quickly.
If the police find the person who committed the crime against you, there are a number of things that could happen. They may decide caution the person (unless they are a young offender in which case they may get a reprimand or final warning). With young offenders they may suggested a restorative justice approach. This could include asking you to attend a restorative conference if you want to. This is a meeting between you and the offender in the presence of officials. This may result in the offender being asked to apologise to you, put right any damage they have caused or do something else to help make amends to you for what they have done.
The case will go to court if the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decides that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to prosecute the person accused. The police do not decide the outcome of a case, they are instead responsible for collecting evidence and passing it the CPS. The CPS has to consider the impact on you, the victim, in making a decision about whether or not it is in the public interest to prosecute. They should also take into account the views of your family. You can find out more information about this on the CPS website.
If the CPS decide to go ahead with a prosecution, you do not have to attend the trial if the defendant pleads guilty. But if they defendant pleads 'not guilty' or denies an important part of the offence, you are likely to be called to give evidence if you were a witness to the crime (some victims are not witnesses if, for example, they were burgled and away from home at the time). If you are not needed as a witness at court, the police should still keep you informed about hearing dates and the outcome of the case.