This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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First Chief Inspector of Prosecution
20/07/2004
Mr Joe O'Donnell, an experienced prosecutor, has been appointed as the first permanent Chief Inspector of the Independent Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland.
He will head up a team who will look critically and objectively at the work of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, to ensure the highest possible standards are met.
Lord Advocate Colin Boyd QC established the Inspectorate in December 2003, as part of his ongoing commitment to ensure the prosecution service in Scotland is open and accountable to the communities it serves.
Mr Boyd today welcomed the appointment, saying:
"As the Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland, Joe O'Donnell has an important role to play in ensuring professionalism, integrity and accountability are maintained to the highest standards throughout the prosecution service.
"The commitment I made two years ago, to establish an independent inspectorate, has been fulfilled. This is a vital step in ensuring that the people of Scotland can have confidence in the ability of their prosecution service to conduct thorough, independent and efficient investigations and prosecutions in the public interest."
Joe O'Donnell said:
"I am delighted to be taking on this new role at a time when the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is going through one of the most intensive periods of reform in its history.
"Change brings with it challenges for us all, and as head of the Inspectorate, part of my job will be to ensure that all parts of the prosecution service are operating with the high standards of professionalism and integrity that the Lord Advocate expects.
"I look forward to playing a part in the continuous improvement of the prosecution service in Scotland, so that communities can have confidence they are receiving a first rate prosecution service."
Mr O'Donnell takes up post permanently in August.
Biography
Mr O'Donnell, 54, joined the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in 1975.
He has held a number of posts across Scotland, including Procurator Fiscal at Ayr, and then Senior Assistant Procurator Fiscal at Glasgow. He was appointed as interim director of the Inspectorate in December 2003.
Mr O'Donnell was selected for permanent appointment following an external recruitment process organised by the Scottish Executive. The interview panel included an independent assessor, and COPFS representation on the panel was in the minority.
The Lord Advocate has previously confirmed that the Inspectorate will not investigate individual cases. Its first task will be to investigate the approach of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to race issues.