Information for defence agents: Defence Agent Service (DAS)

DAS is an application developed to provide a new digital portal for defence agents and COPFS staff which will transform current business processes.  It will provide online access to digital services and information about cases.  DAS integrates with the Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC) service and provides you with streamlined access to disclosure information, all in one place. 

• When disclosure and service of documents are made in a pilot case a hyperlink in the notification email will allow you to securely access the material in DAS.
• DAS is available across a range of operating systems including on Android and iOS devices.
• You will see a list of active cases in your dashboard with court date information.
• Disclosure and service material shared from COPFS arrive within minutes, so you will receive these without delay. 
• You can access, view, download and print disclosed material multiple times in DAS, until the case is closed
• DAS allows for seamless access to statements, documentary productions and DESC evidence online. It also allows you to receive service documents including Indictments, and S67s.  
• Centralised disclosure screens provide you with a consolidated view of disclosed material per category such as, Witness Statements, Witness Previous Convictions and Service Documents. The view can also be filtered, allowing you to choose how you manage the case material.  
• You can appoint delegates within your firm to access and manage material on your behalf. This includes your defence agent colleagues and your office support staff.

We will add further features to DAS over coming months, including: 

• Letter of Engagement (inform) submissions 
• Undertaking Notification 
• Further case engagement features

DAS is being implemented in a phased approach, starting with a pilot in October 2024, lasting four months. It will be used for all new disclosures and service of documents.  DAS will replace Secure Disclosure System (SDS) and manual client disclosure.  Evidence held on the new DESC will also be disclosed on DAS.   

On 10 October 2024, the pilot began with Falkirk and Stirling cases. From 7 November the pilot will extend to include Dundee cases.

Disclosure and service arrangements will continue under existing processes for disclosure already underway through SDS.  

Throughout the following weeks we aim to extend the pilot on a phased basis to Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Perth, Forfar and Alloa cases. 

Following a successful evaluation of the pilot phase in January, we expect to begin national implementation from February 2025. 

Currently, access to DAS is limited to cases within the pilot areas. If you are frequently engaged as a legal representative within the pilot locations, COPFS will set up your DAS account.    

If you do not regularly represent clients within a pilot location, but your client appoints you to represent them for a case within that area, COPFS will contact you to arrange for your DAS account to be set up.   

To get help and support please contact us:

e-mail servicedesk@copfs.gov.uk

call 0300 020 3330

or view the DAS explainer video 

COPFS would love to hear your feedback, comments and suggestions.

Please email defenceagentservice@copfs.gov.uk