GILLINGHAM POLICE STATION

Whether you are or have been a witness to or a victim of a crime, or simply want to find out more about the vital role victims and witnesses of crime play in bringing offenders to justice, this website will help answer some of the questions you may have and will help you understand what happens at court. There is one Witness Care Unit in Dorset which is staffed by Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who offer support and advice to victims and witnesses involved in cases in which someone has been charged with an offence and is being prosecuted through the courts. The Witness care Unit is divided into two teams, one of which deals with cases in the Magistrates Courts and the other deals with cases in the Crown Courts. A Witness Care Officer will be allocated to your case and they will be your single point of contact, whether you are a victim of or witness to a crime. They provide a consistent and accessible service for dealing with individual needs, support and advice.

The most important thing you can do is to report a crime.... Victims play a vital role in breaking the chain of crime. Dorset Police understand that it may be difficult to report an incident, but we encourage you to do so, and we will listen, understand, and give guidance and support. Crime is never to too trivial to report, we appreciate that it is still distressing. If a minor crime is reported, it will enable us to note trends, and then we can tackle it; for example car vandalism in a particular area.If you have been involved in a serious or sensitive crime, we have specially trained staff who will treat you with utmost respect and will understand your needs and look after any of your concerns. If crime is not reported, it is virtually as though it never occurred, and the criminal is free to commit more crime, damaging more individuals and the community. We would appreciate that you report all crime, in your own interest and for practical purposes. When you telephone or visit your local police station to initially report a crime, Dorset Police will give you a crime reference number; this will enable you to track the progress of your case on-line. A crime number will also be necessary for any crimes which will involve insurance claims.