Thank you for discharging your civic duties. In addition to the information provided in this notice, please ask for a copy of the "Victim of Crime Charter" which provides further useful information to you. As a victim or witness of crime you have the right to:-

1. be treated with courtesy, compassion, sensitivity and respect for your personal dignity and privacy;
2. so far as practicable, be interviewed by police at a place and time convenient to you ;
3. be accompanied by your legal representative during an interview with the police;
4. receive prompt medical attention in respect of injuries sustained in the commission of a crime, or should you feel unwell;
5. obtain refreshments at your own expense;
6. keep certain particulars unconnected to the investigation confidential, and have data provided to police handled in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance;
7. automatically be interviewed by an officer of the same sex in all cases of a sexual nature;
8. request consideration of the use of a one-way viewing facility at an identification parade;
9. request a copy of any written statement you have made to police (or video tape recording of your interview where applicable);
10. be given a report reference card detailing the case reference number, name, rank, service number and telephone number of the officer-in-charge-of-the-case and of an investigating officer of the case;
11. have property belonging to you returned to you at the earliest opportunity once not required in connection with the investigation;
12. be informed of police and court procedures should you request such information, and be informed of the progress and result of the investigation expeditiously;
13. be informed of your role in, and the procedures of, the prosecution process;
14. be informed of the date and location of any subsequent court hearing;
15. be provided with protective measures by the police in accordance with their evaluation of any threat, and be considered for inclusion in the Witness Protection Programme, should you so wish;
16. be advised of appropriate agencies which may be able to assist you, such as the Social Welfare Department, the Legal Aid Department and the Consumer Council and
17. a child victim or witness may:

• be accompanied by his/her parent or guardian when being interviewed or assisting a police enquiry, providing the adult is not involved in the case and his/her presence will not hinder the investigation;
• request consideration be given for an interview to be recorded on video;
• request consideration be given for evidence to be given by use of a closed circuit television link in court (the final decision being with the magistrate or judge); and
• be accompanied by a support person when giving evidence in court, providing that person is not involved in the case.

Furthermore, you are advised that:

• the taking of prosecution proceedings, or a decision not to prosecute an offender, does not usually constitute a bar to subsequent civil action against the offender;
• any criminal conviction you have must, by law, be divulged to the defence;
• information concerning the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and Legal Advice is available from the Duty Officer of any police station;
• if you are required to attend court to give evidence a Witness Allowance may be payable to you. You may make enquiries of this with the officer-in-charge-of-the-case; and
• if you change your address or contact telephone number prior to being informed by police the case is concluded, you should inform the officer-in-charge-of-the-case as soon as possible.