The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death occurred, and to establish what reasonable precautions could have been taken to avoid deaths in similar circumstances.
This FAI follows the prosecution and conviction of The Office of the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland for a breach of health and safety legislation.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than apportion blame.
The Sheriff considers all the evidence presented in court and thereafter delivers their determination.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:
“Following a thorough investigation and criminal prosecution, this Fatal Accident Inquiry will look at the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths and action taken since to help avoid such an incident happening again.
“The families of Lamara Bell and John Yuill and their legal representatives will continue to be updated as the Inquiry progresses.”