The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is advertising for a first independent Victims’ Commissioner for London. A candidate is sought who can ensure the voices of victims are heard and can influence the development of victims’ services across policing, crime and the criminal justice system. It’s part of the Mayor’s new draft Police and Crime Plan, under public consultation.
The new Victims’ Commissioner will work with central government and stakeholders including the Met Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Ministry of Justice and victims themselves, reporting to the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Sophie Linden. This will complement the national role which was created in 2010 to cover England and Wales.
Sadiq Khan said: “Crime can have a devastating and lasting impact on people’s lives, which is why I am putting the needs of victims at the heart of policing in London. The right support can make a huge difference in helping people navigate the criminal justice system and recover from painful experiences, as well as driving down reoffending.
“The new Victims’ Commissioner will stand up for survivors of crime across the capital, making sure their voice is heard and that their needs are at the heart of our policing and criminal services. By understanding the experiences of victims and championing improvements, we can help ensure they get the support they need to move on.”
The Deputy Mayor for Policing And Crime, Sophie Linden, will appoint the new Commissioner, within the Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC).
She said: “Too often, Londoners are not receiving the support they need after experiencing crime, and are struggling to navigate the criminal justice system. The new Victims Commissioner will bridge this gap, speaking up on behalf of victims and holding the Met and other agencies to account. With the needs of victims placed firmly at the heart of our work, we can work to improve services and make sure they are not left to make this journey alone.”
