VICTIMS of crime in North Yorkshire have been urged to have their say on the use of out of court punishments in the region.

Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner and Jonathan Mortimer, the independent Chairman of the Out of Court Disposal Scrutiny Panel, needs members of the public to help scrutinise the use of police cautions and other non-court penalties and make recommendations to North Yorkshire Police.

Mr Mortimer said: “Victim representation is vital since we must engender victim trust and satisfaction in the varying methods of criminal justice disposal and give victims a voice.”

Mrs Mulligan said: “I want victims’ needs to be at the heard of everything we do. Having members of the public and victims of crime on the Panel will also increase transparency and understanding. I would ask members of the public who are interested in holding the police to account and have the relevant experience, to send us an email and apply.”

Volunteers need to have experience of being the victim of crime where an out of court disposal has been used or considered, and an understanding of the effect of crime on victims would be an advantage.

To put your name forward email info@northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk go to northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk write to Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, 12 Granby Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 4ST, or phone 01423 569 562.