New Help For Crime Victims In Dorset

19 November 2013, 18:07 | Updated: 19 November 2013, 18:09

The new Dorset Victims Bureau has opened up to keep people updated on how their crime's being investigated and offer support.

Victims Commissioner Baroness Helen Newlove has officially opened the Dorset Victims Bureau today (November 19 2013).

Baroness Newlove joined Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill and Chief Constable Debbie Simpson at the ceremony at Bournemouth Central Police Station.

Baroness Newlove, Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales said:

"I congratulate the police and the Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill on this excellent initiative.

"As Victims' Commissioner, I'm looking for a step change in the way we care and support victims and that step change is happening in Dorset. The Victims' Bureau puts the needs of victims exactly where they should be - at the very heart of criminal justice system. "

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said:

“Victims are at the heart of my work and I will always put them first. I am excited to launch the Dorset Victim’s Bureau which is one of only two in England and Wales.

"By next year the Bureau will grow into the first multi-agency victim’s service in the country, encompassing all of the Criminal Justice Agencies, meaning that victim’s will be updated and supported as they travel the whole criminal justice journey.

"The Bureau next year will also assist those victims who, for various reasons, do not pick up the phone to report their crime to the police.”

Inspector Mike Kynaston, who is the project manager for the Bureau said:

“The Dorset Victims Bureau will ensure that victims are fully informed and updated during their journey through the criminal justice system.

"Victims will be updated by a dedicated team ensuring a consistent and professional service. It will allow frontline officers and staff to dedicate more time to investigating and preventing crime.

"The focus for the Bureau is to meet victim needs’ and improve the public’s satisfaction in Policing."

Visit www.dorset.police.uk for more information on Dorset Victims Bureau.