Staffordshire Police

Since we launched JIGSAW in October 2009, the Justice Information Guide Supporting and Advising Witnesses DVD and booklet has helped approximately 18,000 people play their part in the criminal justice process with improved understanding and peace of mind.

We’ve closely monitored how JIGSAW’s been used, who’s issued it and at what stage it’s been offered. We’ve found that it’s been particularly useful for those who have suffered certain types of incident – hate crime and domestic abuse, violent crimes such as robbery or assault, burglary and theft.

These are offences which might require involved investigation and can result in offenders being taken to court which often means a victim or witness being asked to give evidence.

Victims and witnesses in their own words

We’ve carried out surveys to make sure that you’re satisfied with JIGSAW and find it easy to understand.

And you’ve given us some positive feedback – not only giving a seal of approval for the product but also pointing out how we can improve some of our processes which we’ve taken on board.

Almost half of victims or witnesses who needed to go to court, have received JIGSAW and most (65 per cent) find it useful and reassuring.
 
Here are some of the things you’ve said:

• "JIGSAW helped me feel more reassured about what happens after reporting an incident." - Burglary victim, aged 53, Sutton Coldfield
• "I was concerned about attending court but the DVD put me more at ease." - Assault victim, aged 25, Biddulph, North Staffs
• “The information was relevant and helpful. It informed me about procedures and what to expect if I had to attend court.” - Vehicle crime victim, aged 33, Newcastle-under-Lyme
• "I've never been involved with the police before and it was good to know how the system works." - Race crime victim, aged 26, Newcastle-under-Lyme
• "It provided me with an insight into the court process and what to expect." - Assault victim, aged 36, Cannock
• "It helped me understand about different courts and how proceedings are dealt with." - Assault  victim, aged 56, Market Drayton
• “I liked the way the DVD went through the process step-by-step.” - Assault witness, aged 50, Newcastle-under-Lyme

JIGSAW's wider uses in the community

JIGSAW has also helped in training people from criminal justice agencies, from inducting new staff and those undertaking specialist roles for the first time to volunteers such as magistrates or Victim Support members.

It has also been used within the wider community; provided to third sector support groups, for example, domestic abuse charities, to help especially vulnerable victims who need encouragement to report crimes against them.