National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

What does the Victims' Code of Practice ensure for victims?

1. All victims receive legal representation

2. Victims can choose their own police officer

3. Victims receive updates every 28 days

4. Victims are given priority in court hearings

The correct answer is: Victims receive updates every 28 days

The Victims' Code of Practice is designed to ensure that victims are adequately supported and informed throughout the criminal justice process. Specifically, one of its key provisions is that victims are entitled to receive regular updates on their case, typically stipulating a timeline for these communications. Receiving updates every 28 days is crucial as it keeps victims informed about the progress of their case, any developments, and decisions made by law enforcement or prosecution, thus fostering transparency and continued engagement in the process. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the stipulations of the Victims' Code of Practice. While legal representation is important, not all victims automatically qualify for it, nor does the Code guarantee it. The choice of police officer is not provided to victims under the Code, as it is primarily up to law enforcement agencies to assign officers based on various factors. Furthermore, while victims may have certain rights concerning court proceedings, the Code does not prioritize them in hearings as a definitive provision—it focuses more on the treatment and communication with victims rather than their positioning in the court schedule.