Police and criminal justice authorities across the West Midlands have been issued a stark warning: there can be no more excuses for failing to uphold the legal rights of crime victims.
A Code Ignored for Nearly Two Decades
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, delivered the blunt message, labelling persistent failures to protect victims' rights as 'inexcusable, unacceptable and inexplicable'. The criticism centres on the Victims' Code, a charter that has been in place for approximately 19 years and outlines 12 fundamental rights for those subjected to crime.
Speaking at a West Midlands Police and Crime Panel meeting, Mr Foster stated that compliance with the code must be an 'absolute top priority'. He expressed frustration that after nearly two decades, policing and the wider justice system are still either not complying with the code or cannot prove they are doing so.
Major Awareness Campaign Launched
In response, the Commissioner announced he is embarking on a 'major campaign' over the next six to 12 months. The initiative has two core aims: to educate the public about their 12 rights under the Victims' Code, and to use that awareness to hold West Midlands Police and other criminal justice agencies accountable.
'I convened an in-person criminal justice board meeting back in September in order to effectively put West Midlands Police and others on notice,' Mr Foster revealed. 'I do not want to see any more non-compliance or backsliding with that code.'
Holding the System to Account
The issue was highlighted during a panel discussion on bringing offenders to justice, prompted by a question from Councillor Sardul Marwa MBE. Mr Foster emphasised that the code represents the minimum standard expected, not a 'five-star service'.
He pledged to work with his victims' advocate to drive the commitment, which is also enshrined in his Police and Crime Plan. 'It is essential we do not just pay lip service to the rights and welfare of victims being at the forefront of the criminal justice system,' he asserted.
While acknowledging that West Midlands Police are making progress and improving how they measure performance against the code, Mr Foster's campaign signals a renewed and urgent push to ensure victims finally receive the support they are legally entitled to.
