Individual police officers could be held directly responsible for shoddy work – and even personally fined – under proposals floated by ministers today.
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has asked whether regulators in the criminal justice system should get powers to impose ‘consequences’ on individuals.
According to the consultation paper, these measures might also apply for probation officers, prosecutors, and other employees of public sectors who make mistakes that lead to criminal victims.
Today’s document asks whether outside agencies could have new disciplinary powers.
Individual police officers could be held directly responsible for shoddy work – and even personally fined – under proposals floated by ministers today (stock image)
They could have been based on the powers of regulators in care and financial service sectors. These allow individuals to be fined or suspended if they commit serious errors.
The paper, which sets out ways to improve victims’ rights ahead of a new Victims Bill, also says prosecutors could be ordered to meet with victims of the most serious crimes such as rape and families bereaved by homicides before deciding criminal charges.
This will enable victims and their family to talk about how crimes affected their lives.
The document also proposes allowing communities to give ‘community impact statements’ before criminals are sentenced for low-level crimes like anti-social behaviour, it says.
In a further measure, the victim surcharge – which is imposed on all criminals – could rise from as low as £20 to a minimum of £100.
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab (pictured) has asked whether regulators in the criminal justice system should get powers to impose ‘consequences’ on individuals
It was also confirmed that pilot schemes that have enabled rape victims pre-record evidence to be used in a trial are being rolled out throughout England and Wales.
Mr Raab said: ‘Our plans will give victims a louder voice, a greater role in the criminal justice system, and make criminals pay more to help victims recover.’
The Victims’ Commissioner Dame Vera Baird said: ‘The Government’s Victims’ Bill represents a once in a generation opportunity to drive real culture change, requiring agencies to see, hear and help victims – if necessary, with real consequences if this does not happen.’
Diana Fawcett, chief executive of the charity Victim Support, said: ‘Our research has found time and time again that victims do not always receive their rights and entitlements, and so the Government’s focus on strengthening victims’ rights is welcome.’
Before the Victims Bill goes into effect next year, there will be an 8-week consultation.