Pilot programme giving judges additional information to be expanded

In 2015, the government launched a pilot programme to give judges a defendant's family violence history when making bail decisions. The pilot has been running in Porirua and Christchurch District Courts. Now the pilot will be expanded to Wellington, Wairarapa and Northland announced Justice Minister Amy Adams and Police Minister Judith Collins.

From 1 May 2016, Wellington, Hutt Valley, Masterton, Whangarei, Kaikohe and Kaitaia district courts will trial the initiative for six months. The pilot will be evaluated to inform decisions about national roll-out.

In the pilot, judges and registrars receive a summary report for every family violence bail application. The report includes information about whether Police have previously received calls related to family violence incidents involving the defendant and whether defendants are subject to police safety orders or protection orders, or have breached such orders.

For more information about the pilot see the previous NZFVC story, Pilot provides Judges with defendant's family violence history.

Media

Family violence 'Judge's Packs' to inform more judges making bail decisions, Stuff, 03.05.2016

Domestic violence pilot extended, Radio NZ, 02.05.2016

Family violence bail programme extended, Newshub, 02.05.2016

Judiciary Summary bail decisions pilot expands, Press release: NZ Government, 02.05.2016