Vulnerable Witnesses

Speaking up for Justice (1998) recommends that the police should identify a vulnerable witness as early as possible in the investigation process, and should have designated staff with responsibility for making this identification or seeking assistance for this. Vulnerable witnesses are defined as those under 17, those with a disability or mental health problem that could affect the quality of their evidence and those whose circumstances mean they could be in fear. The police should consult the vulnerable witness and those who know them best to seek advice on communicating with them. The police should have responsibility for ensuring that a ȁc;supporterȁd; is present while a vulnerable witness is being interviewed. When deciding where interviews should take place, account should be taken of the needs and the wishes of the vulnerable witness. The recommendations are expected to be implemented from April 2002.

Back to to top