The Witness Care Officers (WCOs) within VIP are:
- Lynn Passantino
- Angie Sugars
- Ruth Adams
- Jennifer Thompson
- Ranj Nagra
- Janelle Clews
- Laura Fletcher
- Adrian Gallimore
Jennifer, Janelle and Ranj look after victims and witnesses involved in Crown Court cases whilst the rest of the WCO's deal with the county's Magistrates' Court cases. Ruth, Laura and Adrian deal with all initial and intermediate victim and witness contact where those witnesses are involved in matters entered into the criminal justice system. Lynn and Angie are responsible for later contact with those victims and witnesses where a not guilty plea has been entered and the case proceeds to trial. This contact also extends to police officers and other professional witnesses involved in trial cases where their evidence is required. All WCO's are responsible for resulting victims and witnesses when cases are finalised, irrespective of the outcome.
Ranj speaks fluent Punjabi and can also communicate in Hindi and Urdu enabling VIP to reach a wider community thereby extending our services into some ethnic minority groups.
Between them the WCOs ensure that victims and witnesses are kept up to date about the case they are involved in. This means making sure they know what happens at each court appearance of the accused and if and when they may be required to give evidence in court. Where appropriate WCOs can liase with the Witness Service to arrange a visit to court prior to the hearing - this can make a big difference to someone who is unsure what a courtroom is like and where they will have to go to give evidence, and it can really help to allay their concerns.
Vulnerable or intimidated witnesses are sometimes frightened to give evidence in court, and VIP's Witness Care Officers can help to arrange for evidence to be given more informally, or via a TV link instead.
WCOs are a vital link between the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service,and work to make sure police officers and others required to give evidence in court are kept abreast as to the progression of their case.
WCO's will attempt to resolve any problems that victims and witnesses have. There may be domestic issues, for instance if a person has been assaulted by their spouse. WCO's will ensure that, where required and requested by the victim, Victim Support are notified along with the Domestic Abuse Multi-Agency Team (DAMAT) to provide the necessary help and support.
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