The Commissioner of Police welcomed legislation that would offer stronger protections within the criminal justice system.

Darrin Simons called the Justice and Community Safety Reform Act a “critical tool for policing” as it offers anonymity for witnesses during the investigative and trial phases of bringing certain crimes to justice.

He said: “The reluctance of witnesses to come forward out of genuine fear for not only their own safety but also the safety of their loved ones is one of the greatest challenges the BPS faces in investigating serious and gang-related crime.

“The proposed legislation provides the courts with an important additional tool that could help address those concerns.”

He added: “When individuals come forward with information, offenders are held to account, families are given a path to justice and communities are safer.

“Measures that support and encourage witnesses to speak up can significantly strengthen our ability to investigate serious offences and bring those responsible before the courts.”

The Bill, tabled in the House of Assembly last week, was designed to combat reluctance to testifying in cases of violent or gang-related offences.

It also outlines harsher punishments for threats against members of the judiciary and the power for prosecutors to appeal bail for a defendant.

Mr Simons said that the proposed amendments to the Bail Act 1905 were “a necessary and practical step in strengthening public safety”.

He added: “By creating specific offences for breaching both police bail and court-imposed bail, the legislation makes clear that these conditions are not optional and must be followed.”

The police commissioner said: “This is a critical tool for policing. It allows us to act quickly when bail is breached, stop further offending and protect witnesses in serious and gang-related investigations.

“The provision allowing bail decisions to be reviewed by the Supreme Court is also important.

“It ensures that decisions can be tested where there are real concerns about risk to the public, including the likelihood of reoffending or absconding.

“Together, these measures improve our ability to manage high-risk individuals and contribute directly to safer communities.”

It is expected that the Bill will be debated in the House of Assembly next week.