New standards of service have been published today to support and protect victims and witnesses in the Scottish criminal justice system; to make sure they have access to the information they need; and to ensure they are treated fairly.
The standards are the result of a partnership between COPFS, the Parole Board for Scotland, Police Scotland, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service and the Scottish Prison Service, in consultation with victims organisations.
The new Standards of Service explains what a victim or witness can expect to happen at each stage of the criminal justice system process, the standards of service they can expect, and who they can contact for help or advice so they can participate effectively in criminal proceedings.
COPFS has today published a report of progress and achievements for its equality and diversity work during the last two years.
During the two year period the Scottish prosecution service fostered constructive working relations with a variety of community groups, worked in partnership with local authorities and other third sector organisations to deliver equality related messages and to develop new policies for prosecutors. COPFS received national recognition for its dedication and commitment to equality and diversity through awards from the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (ENEI) and Stonewall.
Catherine Dyer, COPFS Crown Agent and Chief Executive said:
"I am proud of our progress and achievements over the last two years but recognise that there is much still to do. I am sure you will find our report both interesting and thought provoking. I would like to thank all COPFS staff, community groups and organisations who have contributed to our success."
COPFS is to host the International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law conference in
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Crown Counsel have decided that a Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held into the causes of this tragedy to ensure that there can be a full public hearing of the facts of the case.
Following the road traffic incident involving a bin lorry in Glasgow City Centre on December 22nd 2014 a Police Scotland inquiry, under the direction of the Crown Office, began immediately into the cause of the crash in which six people died and ten were injured.
"Proud in COPFS" has been recognised by Stonewall Scotland as its top Scottish Network Group 2015.
The award recognises the “huge success” that the group has had in supporting LGBT colleagues and raising awareness of LGBT equality issues. And it follows the recent announcement that COPFS is 8th in Stonewall’s top UK employers, and the top Scottish public sector employer.
The COPFS Strategic Plan 2015-2018 is published today.
The Plan describes what we aim to deliver over the three-year period and the underlying priorities. These are set against the backdrop of legal reforms, both past and planned, changes in the patterns of criminal behaviour and developments in our business practices.
Each element of this Strategic Plan is designed to support our purpose to secure justice for the people of
COPFS is very proud to be in Stonewall’s top ten
Crown Agent Catherine Dyer and COPFS Equality Champion Ruth McQuaid talk about what this means for
Gamekeeper Mutch was handed a custodial sentence today after being caught trapping and killing a rare wild bird with the use of video cameras.
George Mutch was sentenced to four months imprisonment on each of the four charges, one offence under Section 5(1)(b) and three offences under Section 1(1)(a) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The sentences will run concurrently.
On 21 December
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The Scottish Government has today introduced the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill which will introduce a specific law to combat human trafficking and exploitation for the very first time in
The Bill will clarify and strengthen criminal law by introducing a new single human trafficking offence and increasing the maximum penalty for offenders to life imprisonment.
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