Crime tsar brings in charity to ensure more offenders say sorry to victims

The 18-month contract given to charity Remedi by Humberside police and crime commissioner Matthew Grove is to help deliver a number of local schemes where criminals make amends and often meet their victim.

Mr Grove said the idea of holding criminals accountable to those they offend against “improves the experience and outcomes of victims” often let down by the criminal justice system.

He said his force already successfully runs restorative justice schemes but “like a whole series of cottage industries on a small scale”.

He said: “We have far too much police officer time used trying to deliver this. The public wants officers out on patrol trying to prevent crimes, not being used as clerical assistants trying to arrange meetings.

“We are bringing in an organisation with a proven track record in delivering restorative justice so more victims benefit as well as reducing costs and saving officers’ time.”

The £308,000 contract with Remedi started in October and will run until March 2016, though it could be extended for a further two 12 month periods. Funding for the scheme comes from a Ministry of Justice grant.

Mr Grove said: “However hard I am working to improve the criminal justice system, it is never going to be as good or effective as the victims want or need. Restorative justice really does help victims cope and recover.”