WitnessesA MAJOR new initiative aiming to encourage more witnesses to give evidence at court is being introduced in Greater Manchester this month.

Stricter guidelines for agencies involved in the criminal justice process have been drawn up.

A working party chaired by Supt Mike Walker of Greater Manchester Police's judicial services branch carried out a nine month study.

Changes include giving priority to cases involving child witnesses and those at risk of intimidation and minimising the inconvenience and distress to witnesses whilst giving evidence.

Other improvements include taking into account the availability of witnesses and their individual needs and keeping witnesses informed of progress.

Supt Walker said: "In 1995, the Prime Minister's seminar on Criminal Justice and the Citizen identified a widespread need throughout the criminal justice system to improve the quality of service provided to witnesses.

"The culmination of work carried out over the last nine months will result in witnesses across Greater Manchester being treated fairly and efficiently.

"In turn we hope that this will encourage a greater number of people to come forward as witnesses and to give evidence in court."

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