This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Strategic Plan for prosecution service
23/01/2004
Priorities for the next three years in the Crown Office
and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) were announced today
by Lord Advocate Colin Boyd QC.
The priorities and initiatives set out in the COPFS
Strategic Plan 2004-2006, some of which are already
underway, will help the department meet its aim of
providing an independent, modern prosecution service fit
for the 21st century.
The Lord Advocate launched the department's Strategic
Plan at the official opening of the newly refurbished
Edinburgh Procurator Fiscal's office. The Edinburgh office
was refurbished over the past year with an investment of
£800,000, as part of the national programme of
modernisation and reform throughout the COPFS.
Colin Boyd said:
"Following a number of key management reviews the Crown
Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is beginning to emerge
from a period of great change as a strong, more responsive,
positive and outward-looking service.
"Thanks to an investment in information technology, new
management structures, and the commitment and dedication
shown by staff, the department can begin to demonstrate a
real improvement in the quality of service it provides to
victims, witnesses, and communities throughout the
country.
"The Strategic Plan launched today sets out priorities
which make plain my commitment to ensuring that the
department provides an independent, modern prosecution
service fit for the 21st century."
The Strategic Plan 2004-2006 outlines how the COPFS will
develop and change for the better over the next few years
in particular the department will focus on:
- the prosecution of serious crime, up by 12% since
2001, which will be tackled by new measures including
the serving of 80% of indictments in Sheriff & Jury
cases within 9 months
- understanding and responding to the needs of
Scottish communities such as taking action in 75% of
crimes reported within 6 weeks by March 2005 and 5
weeks by March 2006
- improving the service we provide to victims,
witnesses and next of kin by, for example, more
openness in providing reasons for decisions
- developing staff to their full potential to achieve
all of the strategic priorities
Additionally the department will focus on engaging
effectively with criminal justice system partners. To help
in achieving this goal the Lord Advocate also announced new
protocols, developed by the COPFS with its partners, to
improve the effectiveness of its working relationship with
the Scottish police and Scottish Court Service.
Mr Boyd said:
"I am confident that the Crown Office and Procurator
Fiscal Service is also playing a full part in the
modernisation of the wider criminal justice system in
Scotland. The agreement of protocols with our criminal
justice partners is evidence of our commitment to ensuring,
with our partners, that the entire justice system works
efficiently, and with the needs of victims and witnesses at
the forefront."
Two protocols have been agreed with the Scottish Court
Service with the objectives of improving the efficiency of
the courts by agreeing business rules and guidance. This
means
that:
- a close and integrated approach to the management
of court business will be developed
- it will place an emphasis on timescales and the
length of notice to be given by or to each organisation
in key operational circumstances
- the protocol will ensure that the exchange of
management information will assist both organisations
locally and nationally to seek to improve upon their
current levels of performance
Mr John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court
Service, said:
"The Scottish Court Service has been delighted to
co-operate with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal
Service in developing a set of protocols to support our
joint efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness
of the criminal justice system.
"The protocols cover the sharing of information and a
joint planning approach to improve the efficiency of court
business and reduce unnecessary adjournments. They reflect
a practical, common sense approach to managing the criminal
business of the courts, understanding of
the roles of each partner and facilitating closer
joint working."
Four protocols have now been agreed with the Association
of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS).
A protocol has been agreed which will improve the
quality and timeliness of police reports and statements.
This means that:
- the police will aspire to report a rising
proportion of cases to the Procurator Fiscal within 28
days from caution and charge
- clearer guidance is provided to the police about
the Procurator Fiscal's requirements, with the aim of
improving the quality of police reports and statements
and saving police time
A protocol on witness citation targets has been agreed.
It should:
- improve the quality of service to witnesses
- improve the efficiency of court business
- ensure that cases are better prepared
A protocol has been agreed which outlines the
priorities in executing arrest warrants for both the police
and COPFS. This will ensure that the most serious cases are
dealt with as a priority.
A protocol has also been agreed in relation to forensic
work. This will ensure that COPFS identify appropriate
timescales for scientific examination which will allow for
laboratories to prioritise their work.
Chief Constable David Strang, representing the
Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, welcomed
the protocols:
"The Police Service in Scotland welcomes the protocols
which have been developed with the Crown Office and
Procurator Fiscal Service. We recognise that there are real
advantages from working more closely with our key partners
in the criminal justice system.
"Implementing the protocols will bring significant
benefits to the administration of justice and in particular
to victims and witnesses."