Evidence centre for children relaunch
A DEDICATED evidence centre for children who have been the victim or witnesses of crime has been relaunched by Leicestershire Police with the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach.
The centre, which has been renamed Lighthouse, is at a discreet location in Leicestershire and has been specifically designed with young people in mind.
As well as being a place where young people can be interviewed and meet police staff / officers, it is also kitted out with the latest remote link technology meaning children can give their evidence from the centre without having to attend court in person.
The process of giving evidence in court can be a daunting experience for people of any age, but by being able to give evidence in a less intimidating, and altogether more inviting environment means that less cases may fall apart at the evidence stage ensuring more convictions will be secured.
Centre manager Millie Gant, who was influential in getting the project completed, said: “This project was a collaborative effort which couldn’t have been completed without a lot of support, input and suggestions from our partner agencies and sponsors which include the Hinckley and Rugby Building Society, Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service and The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
“Recent statistics show that there are over 80,000 adults who pose a risk to children in the UK – and we as the police have a duty to protect them.
“Lighthouse does not look anything like a police building either from the inside or outside. Every part of the décor has been designed with the needs and requirements of young people in mind as a way of improving the victim’s journey.”
Lord Bach said: “There is nothing more important than protecting children and it is critical that they have access to appropriate expert support when they have been victims of abuse.
“The Lighthouse project is a really positive step.”