Reporting a crime
How to read the stories

Reporting a crime

Police officers try to make sure that people are kept safe from crime. If a crime has been committed, the police will investigate the crime. They talk to all the people that might know something about what happened. In court a security officer or prison officer makes sure that the defendant cannot speak to or go near any witnesses in court

If the police think you need help talking to them they can call an intermediary to listen and help. You can hear about special measures that will make you feel safer. Inside the court you get help from an intermediary who makes sure you understand what people are saying to you. She can tell the judge if you are finding it too hard.

There will be a barrister on your side asking you questions. That is usually easier as the barrister knows your case and wants to help. Everybody has a barrister to help them, even the person who hurt you. Sometimes the other person’s barrister asks questions too fast or loud or can say things that are not right. The intermediary can help you here.

Some people you will see in the crown court

Some people have to go to a Crown Court instead of a Magistrates Court. This is usually because they have been accused of or have witnessed a serious crime. Magistrates Courts and Crown Courts are different. Crown Courts have a judge and jury and the lawyers have to wear wigs and gowns. Magistrates Courts usually have three Magistrates and people dress in ordinary clothes.

If the defendant says they did not commit the crime, there has to be a trial. In a Crown Court trial the judge is in charge. The jury decides if they think the defendant did the crime. Here are some of the people you will see in the Crown Court.

Judge: The judge is in charge of what happens in the court. He or she will make sure that everyone follows the rules of the court. The judge tries to make sure that everything is fair.

Barristers: The defence barrister’s job is to help the defendant by telling the court what they say happened. The prosecuting barrister tells the court about how the defendant might have done the crime.

Defendant: The defendant (the accused) is the person who may have done the crime (broken the law).

Witness: The witness tells the court about something that happened. There may be more than one witness. A witness must always tell the truth. No one can hurt you for telling the truth.

Jury: These are 12 men and women who listen carefully to what everyone says in court. The jury must decide if the defendant did the crime.

Police officer: Police officers try to make sure that people are kept safe from crime. If a crime has been committed, the police will investigate the crime. They talk to all the people that might know something about what happened. In court a security officer or prison officer makes sure that the defendant cannot speak to or go near any witnesses in court.

Court usher: The court usher tells witnesses when it is their turn to be a witness. They will show witnesses where to wait and where to go to give their evidence.

How to read the stories

There is no right or wrong way to read the stories.

Some people are not used to reading stories. Start at the beginning and read the story in each picture. Encourage the reader to move through the pages at their own pace.
Encourage the person to tell the story in their own words. You will discover what they think is happening, what they already know, and how they feel. If you are using the pictures to help explain a procedure to someone, you may need to describe or clarify the actions being shown in each picture to help them understand. Try not to challenge the reader(s) or suggest their ideas are wrong.
Some pictures may be more difficult to understand. It can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:
• Who do you think that is?
• What is happening?
• How is he or she feeling?
• Do you feel like that? Has it happened to you/ your friend/ your family?
Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. Allow time for discussion of each picture.
Some people may benefit from reading the larger story from which the extract has been taken. This will allow them to explore their feelings and experiences in more depth. To buy the complete book, follow the link to the bookshop that appears at the end of the story.