NI justice report commends progress in delivering for victims

Commendable progress has been made by Northern Ireland’s criminal justice agencies in meeting needs of victims and witnesses, but there is no room for complacency.

These were the headlines from a new report from Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) report published today.

This latest publication looked at progress regarding the implementation of report recommendations from its separate reviews of the care and treatment of victims and witnesses and the use of special measures published in 2011 and 2012 respectively.  

Inspectors were pleased to report that this latest review found considerable progress. Of 28 recommendations made across the two inspections, 27 (96%) have been achieved either in full or in part.

However, the report also warns that a sizeable proportion of victims remain dissatisfied with the criminal justice system, and highlights that delay remains a significant concern for many victims and witnesses.

Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, Brendan McGuigan commented: “This report continues to reveal the challenge facing justice organisations in Northern Ireland as they strive to meet the very diverse needs of victims and witnesses here.  While there has been very good progress, and Inspectors welcome that, there is no room for complacency.  I would urge a continuing effort to close the gap between standards and delivery.”
 
Mr McGuigan concluded “The commitment of various leaders across the criminal justice system and the clear political support, together with the personal interest of the Minister of Justice have been central to the good progress made to date.”

Justice Minister, David Ford has welcomed publication saying: “I am encouraged by the Chief Inspector’s assessment that commendable progress has been made in improving the experience of victims and witnesses of crime. This has been a good example of what can be achieved through constructive collaboration between my Department, the Justice Committee, the criminal justice agencies and our partners in the voluntary sector.

“I also note the Chief Inspector’s view that there is further work to be done, especially around delay, which is why I will shortly be publishing a second Action Plan to meet the remaining commitments under the five-year Victim and Witness Strategy.”

“This report proves that these reforms are having a positive impact and I am determined that this important work will continue.”

Download the report here: http://www.cjini.org/