Victims of crime in Leeds can now give witness statements over the phone

By Joe Cooper
Published 28th Jan 2020, 06:00 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Victims of crime in Leeds have the option of giving witness statements over the phone as part of a pilot scheme by West Yorkshire Police.

The service requires the consent of the witness, who must be over 18.

An individual’s vulnerability is also taken into consideration.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It will be available across a range of different offences and incidents, in both Leeds and Bradford, with each case assessed for its suitability.

A mobile phone call (Photo: PA).A mobile phone call (Photo: PA).
A mobile phone call (Photo: PA).

The information will then be entered into the Force's systems by an officer.

The witness will then receive an online link via e-mail, which can be accessed from any computer or device.

Specific personal details and a security code provided by the officer will be needed to view and approve the statement.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

West Yorkshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson said: “As a victim and witness focused organisation, we are doing everything we can to make the experience of engaging with the police as positive as possible.