Continuing the series of items that the OPCC has been releasing, which gives information relating to each of the rights within the Victims’ Code. Each release has covered one or more of the rights.
Right # To make a complaint about your rights not being met
Summary of right 12
If you believe that you have not received any of your rights under this Code, you can make a complaint. In the first instance, and if you feel comfortable doing so, you should discuss your complaint with the person you have been dealing with at the relevant service provider.
If you remain unhappy, or if you do not feel comfortable discussing the complaint with the person you have been dealing with, you can make a complaint through the service provider’s internal complaints’ procedure. They will provide you with information about their complaints procedure and respond within the timescales set out in this procedure.
If you send your complaint to the wrong service provider or it needs to be dealt with by more than one service provider, they will let you know.
If you are still not satisfied after you have finished the service provider’s complaints procedure, or they are taking too long to get back to you, you can ask your Member of Parliament to refer your complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will consider any complaints referred to them and, where appropriate, undertake an independent investigation.
Further information about making a complaint to the Ombudsman can be found on their website at: www.ombudsman.org.uk or by calling their Customer Helpline on: 0345 015 4033.
Local processes in Bedfordshire, key information and support
To raise a complaint to Bedfordshire Police please follow this link.
The OPCC’s / Bedfordshire Victim Care Services (BVCS) pledge of how we intend to support the implementation of this right
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioners Victim Care Service, BVCS, are here to provide victims of Bedfordshire practical and emotional support. BVCS are able to advise and support witnesses through the complaint procedure should this be required.
Ongoing projects or work relating to the Victims’ Code being undertaken by the OPCC or collaboratively with criminal justice partners
As part of the Victims’ Needs Analysis recently carried out by the OPCC, 28 recommendations were made with a view to improving the victims’ journey. They relate to further work on cultural reviews and data analysis, process changes, training and awareness programmes, victim support and approach to commissioned services across partnerships new processes. Some of the recommendations are relatable to the rights within the Victims’ Code and they will be detailed in these press releases each week.
Getting support after being affected by crime
If you would like to discuss how you could receive support with coping and recovering from the impact of crime, BVCS can help you. BVCS is free, confidential, available to everyone and is a way for you to find the help that meets your specific needs.
Contact: Bedfordshire Victim Care Services
Freephone: 0800 0282 887
(calls are free from landlines and mobiles)
Email: info@bedfordshirevcs.com
https://www.bedfordshirevcs.com/ (self-referral form found in the contact page)
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Closed bank holidays. Out of hours you can leave a voicemail and we will call back.
Here is a guide for young victims of crime – The Victims Code: U18’s