If you see a crime being committed, it is important that you report what you see to the police. As a witness, you are an essential part of the criminal justice system and your help could have a real impact and prevent further crimes taking place. Your evidence as a defence witness could also ensure that innocent defendants are not convicted.
You may be asked to act as a witness if you:
If you choose to report a crime you have seen, you'll be asked to give a witness statement to the police. It may be some time before you know whether you'll need to go to court, as cases can take a long time to prepare. If the case does go to court and you're required to give evidence, you will be contacted.
If you're a witness who is not a victim, it's less likely that you'll be asked to provide evidence. However, you will probably have to give evidence in court if the defendant pleads 'not guilty', or denies an important part of the charge.
If the police have a reason to believe you won't turn up to court, you may be issued with a summons. If you fail to attend the court after receiving a summons, you can be found 'in contempt of court' and a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
You might find it helpful to take a look at the Witness Interactive Walkthrough website. The website aims to guide all defence and prosecution witnesses through the criminal justice system and give you a realistic idea of what to expect. It sets out what you’ll encounter from the point you report what you saw to the police, to the court process itself, and tries to address any concerns you might have.
If you are a witness for the prosecution, help is available before, during and after the trial to ensure that you are well informed and supported.
There are two types of witness services available in a number of courthouses here:
The aim of both services is to help prosecution witnesses and victims, along with their families and friends, deal with the experience of attending court and giving evidence. Trained volunteers from these services provide free and confidential advice and support. This includes information on court procedures, the chance to visit the court before you have to give evidence, a quiet place to wait when you are there and other practical measures to support you.
The VSNI Witness Service is available to prosecution witnesses in all Crown and Magistrates’ Courts, Youth and County Courts. The NSPCC Young Witness Service is available to prosecution witnesses in all Crown Courts, a number of Magistrates’ Courts, Youth and County Courts.
If you are a defence witness, familiarisation visits can also be arranged. You will also need to contact the defence solicitor or the Northern Ireland Court Service for further information on how to do this.
It's important that everyone knows and understands that it is a criminal offence to intimidate or harass a witness. If this happens to you, you must tell the police immediately. In extreme circumstances, the police may allow you to use the Witness Protection Scheme.
Vulnerable people, like children under the age of 17, people with learning disabilities and victims of sexual offences, sometimes need help giving evidence in court. If this applies to you, you may be allowed to use 'special measures' to help you to give evidence. These measures include:
You should tell the police before attending court if you feel that you may need to use any of these special measures.
Crime, justice and the law