Might be a stupid question but are we able to contact the cps for time frames??
I asked the police if they had a time frame abs they said it depends on your location.. surely if they sent it in they know the location and time frames? Feels like another cop out answer tbh and I'd rather just ask them directly.
I asked the police if they had a time frame abs they said it depends on your location.. surely if they sent it in they know the location and time frames? Feels like another cop out answer tbh and I'd rather just ask them directly.
I contacted the CPS numerous times when we were told that the case was with them to be told that they didn't have the case, so not sure what happened there. The last time I spoke with them was 19th October when they said they didn't have the case but then we got charges on 20th December so not sure whether this means they worked quickly and the police were just lying?
I don't think it would help to ask for timeframes because none of the timeframes we get on this journey end up being valid. I'm sure it won't be much longer now xx
I don't think it would help to ask for timeframes because none of the timeframes we get on this journey end up being valid. I'm sure it won't be much longer now xx
No personal experience of CPS yet but I endorse what Baffled has said (plus the experiences of many of us who post on here!) that the subject of time frames is one where huge frustrations can arise.
I've no idea whether it's due to lies, lack of link-up between the departments, laziness to actually bother to chase anything up etc - probably a variety of reasons but as our son has a defence solicitor and they enquire every 28 days of the police and get NO response at all but say that's as expected, what hope do we have as mere family. It's not right and makes me so cross. GRRRRR!
I've no idea whether it's due to lies, lack of link-up between the departments, laziness to actually bother to chase anything up etc - probably a variety of reasons but as our son has a defence solicitor and they enquire every 28 days of the police and get NO response at all but say that's as expected, what hope do we have as mere family. It's not right and makes me so cross. GRRRRR!
Thanks for your reply both.
It's the kind of issue that really requires a widespread public protest to get changes made. The cause is most likely just lack of staff, both at the CPS and police, but the failure to reply to queries is simply unacceptable.
I'm certain that these organisations have service level agreements, which state they must reply to questions from the public within a certain timeframe. For example the police have to reply to FOI requests within 20 days (although many don't).
So my advice would be to take it up the chain of command. Complain to the Police and Crime Commissioner in your area, complain to the Chief Constable, and complain to your MP.
I'd also be interested to hear from anyone who is in the Lincolnshire police area. They now have an indirect victims support officer, who acts as a contact for the familiies. That person should be able to advise on timeframes and they should give the families their direct phone number, so that the familiies can ask them questions.
I would be curious to know how this is working in Lincolnshire and if any other police forces are doing something similar.
I'm certain that these organisations have service level agreements, which state they must reply to questions from the public within a certain timeframe. For example the police have to reply to FOI requests within 20 days (although many don't).
So my advice would be to take it up the chain of command. Complain to the Police and Crime Commissioner in your area, complain to the Chief Constable, and complain to your MP.
I'd also be interested to hear from anyone who is in the Lincolnshire police area. They now have an indirect victims support officer, who acts as a contact for the familiies. That person should be able to advise on timeframes and they should give the families their direct phone number, so that the familiies can ask them questions.
I would be curious to know how this is working in Lincolnshire and if any other police forces are doing something similar.
I'm not in Lincolnshire but I do have a go between I can't remember their role but I have to ask them to ask police and they're always going on holiday or just not replying for weeks without pre warning and then I keep getting told that I can't know things so it's pretty useless in my opinion. They've also told me to ask the OiC myself and I've had to remind them I'm not allowed and it all has to go through them.
EA - that is beyond ridiculous. No wonder you're frustrated. I'm so sorry xx
Edel - I wish we could all band together and complain but I expect that many of us are so fearful about making things worse for our husbands/partners/sons that we just daren't stick our necks out or we are so fearful of public opinion that we just keep our mouths shut. I've occasionally been tempted to ring in to a radio talk show if they are discussing crime or police behaviour but I then worry that my voice might be recognised and my son exposed. I wonder if the police rely on this and it makes them even bolder. I totally agree that it's the being totally ignored that rankles most or the promise to call back which never comes. It makes me feel worthless.
Edel - I wish we could all band together and complain but I expect that many of us are so fearful about making things worse for our husbands/partners/sons that we just daren't stick our necks out or we are so fearful of public opinion that we just keep our mouths shut. I've occasionally been tempted to ring in to a radio talk show if they are discussing crime or police behaviour but I then worry that my voice might be recognised and my son exposed. I wonder if the police rely on this and it makes them even bolder. I totally agree that it's the being totally ignored that rankles most or the promise to call back which never comes. It makes me feel worthless.