An Official Statistics publication for Scotland
A report on Hate Crime in Scotland 2020-21 was published today. This brings together figures on race crime, and on crime motivated by prejudice related to religion, disability, sexual orientation and transgender identity.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to have a significant impact on the Scottish criminal justice system. COPFS is working closely with justice partners and with Scottish Government on measures which will support the fair and effective administration of justice whilst respecting the public health guidance which has been issued.
Today COPFS launches two public consultations on new Codes of Practice on interview and identification of persons suspected of committing offences.
In the recent joint communication about improvements to the booking service used for PIDMs, it was explained that a further update would be issued when the testing exercise for appointments made by administrative staff had been completed. The testing concluded this week. The registration process was completed successfully for each individual nominated for the exercise. There are no known difficulties in making bookings and no negative feedback.
The Lord Advocate is required, along with the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service, the Scottish Prison Service and the Parole Board for Scotland, to publish Standards of Service for victims and witnesses each year and to publish an annual report in relation to the fulfilment of those standards.
The Ayr Procurator Fiscal’s office located at Carrick Street, Ayr, will close permanently from 17 May 2021 and relocate to Kilmarnock.
Collaborative work between COPFS and the Law Society of Scotland has been carried out to further improve the pre-intermediate diet meeting (PIDM) process.
Scotland’s courts remain open during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown as the delivery of justice is identified as essential business. From 19 April there will be a cautious and incremental easing of the current restrictions in criminal courts, in line with public health advice.
Comments have been made about the Crown which are without foundation, and the public is entitled to hear the truth about these matters from me.
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