CREWE police station has become one of three bases for a new Criminal Justice Unit as part of radical changes being brought in.

The units, at Crewe, Chester and Widnes, are designed to speed up the way cases are dealt with by courts.

It will mean police officers and support staff will be working directly with the Crown Prosecution Service.

The need for change was identified in a 1997 Government report compiled by Martin Narey and a pilot scheme implementing some recommendations began last year.

After detailed evaluation it proved to be a success and the Government ordered the Narey Proposals should be acted on.

The majority of criminal cases will now be brought before the first available court, often within 24 or 48 hours.

This fast-tracking is aimed at relieving some of the stress and anguish that long drawn out legal proceedings can have on witnesses and aggrieved persons.

It also means offenders have their cases heard quicker, confronting them immediately with the consequences of their actions.

The units are also aimed at reducing some of the paperwork burden for officers so they can spend more time on operational duties.

Inspector Neil Edgley, of Cheshire Constabulary's Administration of Justice Department, said: "I would like to thank all of the agencies involved for the very positive way we've worked together on this issue.

"I think it is one of the most positive things that has been done with regard to the justice system, and something which needed to be done.

"I believe it is going to improve the whole process for everyone concerned."

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