Elements and Performance Criteria
- Facilitate court appearances of witnesses.
- Presence of witnesses in the courtroom is permitted in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements for the type of proceedings.
- Witnesses are identified, and their details provided to the court and recorded according to organisational policy and practices and legislative requirements.
- Non-appearance of witnesses is reported to the court according to court procedures.
- Witnesses are called, escorted to witness box and swearing in takes place, if required, in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements for the type of proceedings.
- Witnesses who are apprehensive of giving evidence in front of an accused are provided with appropriate screening or videolink where this is available, at the direction of the presiding official and according to organisational procedures.
- Administrative duties relating to witness appearances are completed according to organisational policy, procedures and timelines.
- Maintain the integrity of court proceedings in a remote witness room.
- Witness room is prepared and equipment checked to ensure it is fully operational.
- Witness and other personnel authorised to be present are positioned according to organisational procedures so they are visible to the court, and those permitted to speak can be clearly heard.
- Security of witnesses, witness rooms and exhibits is maintained at all times and any attempted security breach is immediately reported to the court according to standard operating procedures.
- Functions in the witness room are performed according to set role, standard operating procedures and legislative requirements.
- At the end of the evidence and examination, witnesses are delivered into the care of a responsible person and exhibits are returned in accordance with standard operating procedures and legislative requirements.