The Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS) started on 1 April 2016 and provides support to victims of crime across Cleveland. In 2017, the scope was extended to include victims of anti-social behaviour.
This decision approves a pilot scheme where 2 VCAS Support Officers will be located in the Force Control Room (FCR).
The purpose of the pilot is to assess:
- If VCAS could receive direct referrals from those contacting Cleveland Police and presenting as vulnerable or in need of support from victims services
- If the posts would lead to an increase in the number of referrals to VCAS from staff working in the FCR
- If it is beneficial for VCAS to provide support to victims at an earlier stage
- If it is possible for VCAS to provide a service for victims in cases where there is no requirement for police attendance
If VCAS provided support at an earlier stage is it possible to save police time
This decision awards an additional £44,559 to the Victim Care and Advice Service Contract covering the period 1 June 2020 – 31 March 2021.
Funding supports a pilot to test new approaches to victim care and support based on previous work.
2020-00220140 Decision – Extra funding for Victim Care and Advice-Service