A SENIOR Bolton police chief today called for a complete overhaul of the criminal justice system.

Supt Frank Birkenshaw believes the failure of the system is reflected by the rise in violent crime.

He feels the legal procedure denigrates witnesses and has more to do with "power and money" than establishing the truth.

Supt Birkenshaw, who retires this week after 30 years' police service, believes modern-day Britain is becoming more violent. He said: "It worries me that people from all walks of life are being more readily attacked than ever before

"Our criminals are also more cowardly and are prepared to attack the most vulnerable sections of society."

He levelled much of the blame on the legal system and claimed: "It is badly in need of change."

He said: "We desperately need an alternative which better protects the innocent but more readily convicts the guilty.

"The adversarial method of fighting cases makes everyone a victim. Witnesses are denigrated and made to feel at fault.

"It is not surprising many no longer want anything to do with the process.

"Like America our justice has much to do with power and money. It has nothing to do with establishing the truth."

Supt Birkenshaw said that if society was serious about reducing crime it must change the way justice was dispensed.

He said: "Our law makers should use historical evidence to show the best way forward. There is sufficient information available for courts to properly decide which offenders should be kept in custody until they no longer have the desire to commit crime.

"Such measures do not have to be draconian or inhumane. Sentences should be geared towards prevention rather than punishment."

Supt Birkenshaw, who has spent the last six years of his police career in Bolton, said he was sorry to be leaving.

"Bolton has a vibrant local authority and a number of very successful anti-crime groups," he said.

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