Dermot stars in crime aid DVD

A new DVD to help victims and witnesses of crime has been created by Staffordshire Police supported by the Local Criminal Justice Board.

Fronted by Sky newsreader Dermot Murnaghan, JIGSAW, which means Justice Information Guide Supporting and Advising Witnesses, aims to allay some of the concerns people may have about the criminal justice system by ensuring that they're well-informed about what they're likely to experience as a victim or a witness.

The DVD is divided into chapters which include supporting people during an investigation, going to court, justice working for the victim. A information guide has details of organisations offering help and advice to victims of crime as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

JIGSAW has an interactive format which allows the viewer to replay sections which they may wish to watch again.

The DVD will aims to reduce the five per cent of trials which collapse each year because witnesses fail to turn up.

Copies will be distributed to victims and witnesses by police officers involved in the early stages of an investigation. If the case goes to court, witness care officers can supply a copy if one has not already been given.

Staffordshire Assistant Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said the DVD format should make the information more accessible.

"I'm sure most people would rather have someone on a DVD show them what's likely to happen when they go to court than have to read a pile of leaflets as has been the case up to now.

"We're able to give them a flavour of the sort of things they're going to experience if they become involved with a prosecution case."

Ms Sawyer added: "For many people called as witnesses, it is their first experience of the criminal justice system and they may be unsure of what to expect.

"By taking them through the process, we hope it will give them a better understanding of the system and help them to feel more confident about appearing in a courtroom."

For people who are hearing impaired, the DVD has subtitles. A a number of portable DVD players are also being made available to officers so that they can play JIGSAW to people who don't have access to a player. The DVD will also be available via www.staffordshire.police. co.uk/jigsaw on the force website.