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Police from all regions attend a CCRC event in Birmingham, to learn about its powers to compel the delivery of materials in pursuit of miscarriages of justice

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On Tuesday (14 October), the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) hosted a successful police “familiarisation” event at the Tally Ho training facility in Birmingham which was well-attended by representatives from the majority of police forces in England and Wales. 

Opened by Dame Vera Baird KC, Chair of the CCRC, the event boosted police understanding of the CCRC’s critical role within the criminal justice system and what is likely to be required of them in support of our investigations.   

Following a session setting out and explaining our statutory powers to require case materials from public bodies, CCRC Case Review Managers demonstrated, through three different casework histories, how these powers could produce materials vital to unearthing evidence of miscarriages of justice.  

This was followed by an explanation of the CCRC’s Forensic Opportunities Programme, through which we are reviewing closed cases to understand whether scientific advances have clarified evidence or opened new routes to appeal.  

Dame Vera Baird KC opens the familiarisation event at Tally Ho training facility

Feedback on the event has reflected how each police force now has an increased awareness of the CCRC.  

Perhaps some of the most complementary feedback came from a Detective Sergeant in Thames Valley police thanking us for such a “comprehensive and informative” day. The DS said: 

“Your event really drummed home the scale of the importance of the work of your organisation, and the roles we, the police, must play in supporting the CCRC with that, by fulfilling our statutory obligations. 

“The event gave the impression of the CCRC as an open and collaborative organisation – and one which I would have confidence in, if I, or any of my friends or loved ones, were a victim of a miscarriage of justice.” 

Chair of the CCRC, Dame Vera Baird KC said: “This event was an excellent opportunity to engage with those who are the most likely to be subject to our powers and to highlight the critical role of the CCRC and what it requires of other key criminal justice organisations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

“It is vital that we establish strong working relationships so that policing responds as speedily as possible with our requests. Far better to meet up with such organisations to show them how the process works and what the justice benefits can be, through mutual understanding. It was excellent to see so many in attendance and I thank all the participants for giving us their time”.