24 Sep Former Scotland Yard Detective: VICTIMS are being failed and the criminal justice system is in “crisis”
VICTIMS are being failed and the criminal justice system is in “crisis” a former Scotland Yard Detective has said.
Peter Bleksley spoke out after Victims’ Commissioner Dame Vera Baird stood down from her role after claiming the criminal system is failing.
Mr Bleksley told GB News: “Her job was to represent victims and make their case to the government and therefore drive reform within the criminal justice system. Now, she’s absolutely right. It is in chaos. I would go a bit further and say it’s in crisis.
“What do we mean by that? Well, people’s first dealings with the criminal justice system is with the police. And we all know, many forces are underfunded and overworked. Too many forces are in special measures, and simply not serving the public like they should do. Next we go to the Crown Prosecution system. The service again, is underfunded, overworked, prickly and sometimes has a failing relationship with the police. Then we go to the courts, criminal barristers are on strike, buildings are not fit for purpose, we have leaky roofs.
“And then of course, we go to the prisons, only today. There’s a piece in the papers saying too many prisoners are sitting around watching telly all day, instead of being in a nine to five sort of regime that might prepare them for life after their sentences. And then finally, the probation service again, this is overworked, underfunded and quite simply failing.
“So there you have it, from the start to the end of the criminal justice system riddled with problems.
“Victims are being failed. And sadly, there are many more of us becoming victims of crime these days, and we need a good service. In fact, I’d go too far so far as to say we need a victims law so that when you are a victim of crime, your rights are enshrined upon the statute book.”
