Rutland's Police and Crime Commissioner seeks new victim care provider
It follows a review of the current service
Rutland's Police and Crime Commissioner is looking for a new provider to enhance the care victims of crime receive.
Following a review of the current service, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner has developed a new model of support for victims of crime across the city and two counties under the existing Victim First banner.
Rupert Matthews says the contract will be worth up to £1.5m over the next 3 years - with the service launching in April next year.
Launching the re-tender, Mr Matthews said: "Victims of crime are the heart of everything I do as Commissioner. It is vital we provide the right professional care from the very beginning to support the recovery process and reduce the future risk of harm. It is important to point out that the current service is very good. I simply want to make sure it is even better!
"No two victims of crime are the same, and not all require help immediately. The support we offer must cater for these differences and ensure that victims have multiple opportunities to accept help regardless of where they are in the justice journey.
"Improving services for victims of crime is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Through the delivery of improved victim care and a stronger focus on restorative justice, I want to give victims more control over their recovery and give them the tools they need to live safely and confidently in future.
"I also recognise that victims who feel believed and supported are much more likely to support criminal justice proceedings - this will help my plans to bring more offenders to justice."
During 2022-23, Victim First offered enhanced support in 2,482 cases. The majority of these (28%) were related to assault offences, followed by harassment (10%) and public order offences (8%).
The new Victim First model will run from April 2024 to March 2027. It will promote proactive relationships and referrals with other criminal justice departments including Witness Care, Witness Service, CPS Victim Liaison Unit and other specialist officer roles.
The chosen provider will need to undertake proactive and ongoing community engagement, particularly those that are under-represented, to raise awareness of the support services available.