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Vulnerable Adult and Child Witnesses

Vulnerable Adult and Child Witnesses

Author: Kevin Smith; Steve Tilney
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780199214105
Published In: September 2007
Format: Paperback , 248 pages
Jurisdiction: U.K. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

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Description
Contents
Author

Details
- The first practical guide in this area, with all relevant systems and methods explained in one accessible volume
- Structured to follow the chronology of an investigation from the first steps of identifying a vulnerable witness through to trial
- Highly practical throughout, includes a range of case studies, examples and possible pitfalls with solutions
- Covers the Victims' Code of Practice and the Victims and Witnesses' Commission
- Includes coverage of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Code of Practice and the revised edition of 'Achieving Best Evidence' including updates on special measures
The treatment of vulnerable witnesses is an area which has seen great change over the past 20 years. The 1989 Pigot report made a variety of recommendations and suggestions for improvement and this marked the early stages of this process of change.

This book is designed to be an invaluable, practical source of help to all those working in the complex area of vulnerable witnesses. It is structured to follow the chronology of an investigation from the first steps of identifying a vulnerable witness through to trial and includes helpful case studies with examples outlining potential pitfalls during the investigation and possible solutions. The book covers key topics such as identifying vulnerable witnesses, protection of vulnerable witnesses throughout the criminal justice process, pre-interview contact, assessing competence, multi-agency working, interviewing and pre-trial preparation.

The treatment of vulnerable witnesses by police investigators and others involved in the criminal justice system is likely to come under increased scrutiny in the future with the Victims' Code of Practice and the Witness Charter. This book considers the many changes and new documentation in the area including the Victims and Witnesses' Commission, the revised edition of 'Achieving Best Evidence' and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Code of Practice.

This book is an essential guide and reference.

The
Blackstone's Practical Policing Series
is a collection of highly practical, up-to-date titles covering a range of essential subjects in today's policing arena. Developed from a detailed understanding of police information needs, this series seeks to explain the relevant law, practice and procedure from a police officer's perspective.

The first practical guide in this area, with all relevant systems and methods explained in one accessible volume.

Readership: Police investigators and those training the police in investigative skills especially those working in child protection units. Also of interest to adult protection officers in local authorities, adult protection committees, safeguarding children boards, the immigration service, the probation service, lawyers, the prison service, the court service, customs & excise and mental health professionals.
Introduction
First Steps
1: Identifying and intimidated witnesses
2: Initial action
The investigation
3: Offences commonly experienced by vulnerable witnesses
4: Human Trafficking
5: Multi-agency working
6: Special Measures
7: Consent: Whose decision is it anyway?
8: Competence and compellability
9: Medical Examinations
10: Witness Interview Strategies
11: Planning and Preparing for Interviews
12: Conducting Interviews
13: Storage and Retention of recordings
14: Ongoing Protection Orders
15: Witness Intimidation
Post-charge
16: Pre-trial therapy
17: What's on the Horizon?
18: On-going contact
19: Pre-trial preparation
Trial
20: Court supporters
The future
Kevin Smith, Police officer, trainer and interview advisor, and Steve Tilney, Police officer, trainer and interview adviser