This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Strategic Plan for prosecution service
23/01/2004
Priorities for the next three years in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) were announced today by Lord Advocate Colin Boyd QC.
The priorities and initiatives set out in the COPFS Strategic Plan 2004-2006, some of which are already underway, will help the department meet its aim of providing an independent, modern prosecution service fit for the 21st century.
The Lord Advocate launched the department's Strategic Plan at the official opening of the newly refurbished Edinburgh Procurator Fiscal's office. The Edinburgh office was refurbished over the past year with an investment of £800,000, as part of the national programme of modernisation and reform throughout the COPFS.
Colin Boyd said:
"Following a number of key management reviews the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is beginning to emerge from a period of great change as a strong, more responsive, positive and outward-looking service.
"Thanks to an investment in information technology, new management structures, and the commitment and dedication shown by staff, the department can begin to demonstrate a real improvement in the quality of service it provides to victims, witnesses, and communities throughout the country.
"The Strategic Plan launched today sets out priorities which make plain my commitment to ensuring that the department provides an independent, modern prosecution service fit for the 21st century."
The Strategic Plan 2004-2006 outlines how the COPFS will develop and change for the better over the next few years in particular the department will focus on:
- the prosecution of serious crime, up by 12% since 2001, which will be tackled by new measures including the serving of 80% of indictments in Sheriff & Jury cases within 9 months
- understanding and responding to the needs of Scottish communities such as taking action in 75% of crimes reported within 6 weeks by March 2005 and 5 weeks by March 2006
- improving the service we provide to victims, witnesses and next of kin by, for example, more openness in providing reasons for decisions
- developing staff to their full potential to achieve all of the strategic priorities
Additionally the department will focus on engaging effectively with criminal justice system partners. To help in achieving this goal the Lord Advocate also announced new protocols, developed by the COPFS with its partners, to improve the effectiveness of its working relationship with the Scottish police and Scottish Court Service.
Mr Boyd said:
"I am confident that the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is also playing a full part in the modernisation of the wider criminal justice system in Scotland. The agreement of protocols with our criminal justice partners is evidence of our commitment to ensuring, with our partners, that the entire justice system works efficiently, and with the needs of victims and witnesses at the forefront."
Two protocols have been agreed with the Scottish Court Service with the objectives of improving the efficiency of the courts by agreeing business rules and guidance. This means
that:
- a close and integrated approach to the management of court business will be developed
- it will place an emphasis on timescales and the length of notice to be given by or to each organisation in key operational circumstances
- the protocol will ensure that the exchange of management information will assist both organisations locally and nationally to seek to improve upon their current levels of performance
Mr John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service, said:
"The Scottish Court Service has been delighted to co-operate with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in developing a set of protocols to support our joint efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
"The protocols cover the sharing of information and a joint planning approach to improve the efficiency of court business and reduce unnecessary adjournments. They reflect a practical, common sense approach to managing the criminal business of the courts, understanding of
the roles of each partner and facilitating closer joint working."
Four protocols have now been agreed with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS).
A protocol has been agreed which will improve the quality and timeliness of police reports and statements. This means that:
- the police will aspire to report a rising proportion of cases to the Procurator Fiscal within 28 days from caution and charge
- clearer guidance is provided to the police about the Procurator Fiscal's requirements, with the aim of improving the quality of police reports and statements and saving police time
A protocol on witness citation targets has been agreed. It should:
- improve the quality of service to witnesses
- improve the efficiency of court business
- ensure that cases are better prepared
A protocol has been agreed which outlines the priorities in executing arrest warrants for both the police and COPFS. This will ensure that the most serious cases are dealt with as a priority.
A protocol has also been agreed in relation to forensic work. This will ensure that COPFS identify appropriate timescales for scientific examination which will allow for laboratories to prioritise their work.
Chief Constable David Strang, representing the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, welcomed the protocols:
"The Police Service in Scotland welcomes the protocols which have been developed with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. We recognise that there are real advantages from working more closely with our key partners in the criminal justice system.
"Implementing the protocols will bring significant benefits to the administration of justice and in particular to victims and witnesses."