APCC comments on Leveson review of criminal courts
Rt Hon Sir Brian Leveson’s independent review of the criminal courts has been published. The review was commissioned by the Lord Chancellor to address a capacity crisis that Sir Brian says sees the system at “real risk of collapse”. In response to the review’s findings, APCC Chair Emily Spurrell said:
“Sir Brian Leveson’s review clearly articulates the problems our criminal justice system faces and makes clear that only radical change can deliver justice for victims and defendants whilst rebuilding public trust. As PCCs we too often hear from victims who feel let down and ignored, so we welcome the changes proposed to tackle delays in getting cases to trial and increase confidence amongst those seeking justice, including more use of out of court resolutions.
“Freeing up time in Crown Courts is vital but it is essential these changes reflect the views of victims. Reform is welcome but must not come at the cost of those the system is meant to protect.”
APCC Joint Lead on Criminal Justice, Danielle Stone, and PCC Matthew Scott added:
“Speeding up justice for all involved is of vital importance, with too many currently waiting far too long.System reform must take into account the victims of crime and ensure meaningful consequences for perpetrators.
“Sir Brian recommends increased use of out of court resolutions that address offending behaviour and provide swifter justice for victims, an approach already key to Police and Crime Commissioners’ (PCCs’) work. Together with multiple local partners we provide diversionary programmes to reduce offending and reoffending, so we welcome Sir Brian’s call for greater investment in rehabilitation programmes for drug and alcohol misuse which are linked to so much crime.
“He highlights, too, the need to scrutinise how police administer out of court resolutions, something several PCCs already undertake as chairs of their Local Criminal Justice Boards. Acknowledging the role PCCs play in a reformed justice system is key to driving improvements.”
Notes
- Emily Spurrell is PCC for Merseyside
- Danielle Stone is Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire
- Matthew Scott is PCC for Kent