The Lord Advocate, James Wolffe QC, has welcomed the formation of an independent group to provide additional oversight of use of temporary police powers during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Lord Advocate and the procurator fiscal have independent responsibilities in relation to policing in Scotland and the investigation and prosecution of crime.
James Wolffe QC said:
“I welcome the announcement of the appointment of this group.
“Officers of Police Scotland are called on to perform a challenging job on behalf of all of us in society. It is particularly important, at this time, that we maintain public support for them as they fulfil that task.
“I hope the work of the group will provide additional confidence that the temporary powers which the police have will be appropriately used.
“A senior Crown official will participate in the group and keep me updated on its work.”
The group is led by John Scott QC and involves a range of stakeholders. Details on the group are available here.
Deputy Crown Agent John Logue will represent the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on the group.