Remote Evidence Centres
Remote Evidence Centres (RECs) provide a safe, comfortable space away from the court building for vulnerable witnesses to give evidence directly to the court from a video link room within the REC.
Attending the REC also ensures that the witness will not encounter the defendant or the defendant’s family / supporters in or around the court building on the day of the trial.
The Department of Justice has established two new RECs in Belfast and Craigavon, in addition to the existing NSPCC-led facility in Derry ~ Londonderry.
Sir John Gillen believed RECs would enable victims to give their best evidence and increase their confidence in the justice system. This is supported by conviction rates for REC cases that so far this year stand at 91%, and for the whole of last year was 92%. Over half of convictions are by guilty plea, meaning the victim did not have to provide any oral evidence at the trial.
Later this year, we will produce a full evaluation of the existing RECs along with recommendations for further roll-out of remote evidence facilities across the country.
You can find out more information about REC facilities, including a virtual tour of the Belfast REC: - Witness services and special court measures | nidirect