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PCC Calls for Further Criminal Justice System ReformPublished 04/08/2017
Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has called for an overhaul of the criminal justice system, calling it “dysfunctional” and still failing victims of crime.
David Lloyd is asking for the PCC model to be replicated in the criminal justice system.
Mr Lloyd, who is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ lead on Criminal Justice, told the National Police Chiefs’ Council Conference in Stratford Upon Avon that greater local oversight of criminal justice would lead to swifter high quality justice and improve the experience for all involved.
You can read the whole speech given to the conference.
“I think that the PCCs should have the same powers over the criminal justice system that they currently have over their police force: set the plan, set the budget, appoint a chief and hold to account.”
“This will provide transparency, accountability and local democratic oversight.”
He said the way the system is run lets victims and witnesses down, and doesn’t take into account their entire journey from the crime being committed to the court case and after care support.
“Criminal justice agencies are being pulled in different directions. I want to see local accountability and direction, which will maintain the independence of the judiciary and rule of law, whilst placing local victims at the centre of our priorities.”
His speech focussed on how local partnerships and a more joined up criminal justice system will better meet the needs of the Hertfordshire area:
“Victims must remain at the heart of everything we do. At present, some would say our criminal justice system is a coalition of competing interests. How can this possibly lead to quality justice for the victim, witnesses and those accused?”
“The courts frequently over-list cases, which means victims and witnesses will turn up uncertain their case will be heard. This places undue stress on them at an already difficult time.”
David Lloyd is the chair of the Hertfordshire Criminal Justice Board, a panel of senior leaders from the agencies and bodies working in criminal justice in the county. He says he wants these boards – which are in place across the country – to have real responsibility and not be a “toothless tiger”.
He welcomes the government’s commitment to promoting better local ‘join-up’ of criminal justice agencies, and thinks this will enable a real ‘end-to-end’ approach, meaning the victim won’t be passed on from one body to another.
David Lloyd is asking for the PCC model to be replicated in the criminal justice system.
Mr Lloyd, who is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ lead on Criminal Justice, told the National Police Chiefs’ Council Conference in Stratford Upon Avon that greater local oversight of criminal justice would lead to swifter high quality justice and improve the experience for all involved.
You can read the whole speech given to the conference.
“I think that the PCCs should have the same powers over the criminal justice system that they currently have over their police force: set the plan, set the budget, appoint a chief and hold to account.”
“This will provide transparency, accountability and local democratic oversight.”
He said the way the system is run lets victims and witnesses down, and doesn’t take into account their entire journey from the crime being committed to the court case and after care support.
“Criminal justice agencies are being pulled in different directions. I want to see local accountability and direction, which will maintain the independence of the judiciary and rule of law, whilst placing local victims at the centre of our priorities.”
His speech focussed on how local partnerships and a more joined up criminal justice system will better meet the needs of the Hertfordshire area:
“Victims must remain at the heart of everything we do. At present, some would say our criminal justice system is a coalition of competing interests. How can this possibly lead to quality justice for the victim, witnesses and those accused?”
“The courts frequently over-list cases, which means victims and witnesses will turn up uncertain their case will be heard. This places undue stress on them at an already difficult time.”
David Lloyd is the chair of the Hertfordshire Criminal Justice Board, a panel of senior leaders from the agencies and bodies working in criminal justice in the county. He says he wants these boards – which are in place across the country – to have real responsibility and not be a “toothless tiger”.
He welcomes the government’s commitment to promoting better local ‘join-up’ of criminal justice agencies, and thinks this will enable a real ‘end-to-end’ approach, meaning the victim won’t be passed on from one body to another.
