Nacro comments on Sir Brian Leveson’s independent review into the criminal courts. The review looks into how the criminal courts could be reformed to ensure cases are dealt with proportionately and effeciently, in light of the current pressures on the Crown Court.
“There are many recommendations to fully digest and consider. We particularly welcome the recognition of the important role of liaison and diversion services and the call for increased investment into the services they refer to. Liaison and diversion services help people address mental health and substance misuse problems, which are often drivers of offending, and is a much more effective approach to reducing reoffending.
What remains clear from all the recent reviews and changes in the criminal justice system is that we need to build a system which works for all of us. A system which doesn’t let victims down. A system which prioritises prevention of crime. A system which follows the evidence of what works to reduce offending and reoffending. And a system which genuinely believes in second chances and people’s ability to change.
This is possible, and now is the time.”
Notes to editor
Our work in Justice
Our justice work aims to break the cycle of crime and disadvantage in the community and in prison. We believe that for people who end up in prison it should be the start of something better not a road to nowhere. We work with people at every stage of the criminal justice system from liaison and diversion services at policy custody and court, education in prisons and prison resettlement services.