This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Priorities for prosecution service
26/07/2006
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has today launched its Strategic Plan, which sets out the aims and priorities for the service for 2006-2008.
The Strategic Plan 2006-2008 outlines how the COPFS will develop over the next few years. In particular the department will focus on:
- using the full extent of the law to tackle serious and organised crime by continuing to develop the work of the Civil Recovery and Financial Crime Units to achieve a sustained increase in the numbers of assets seized and recovered
- replicating the success of High Court reforms at Sheriff and District Court level by having 60% of these cases disposed of within 26 weeks of the date of caution and charge by March 2008
- improving the service provided to victims, witnesses and next of kin
- responding to the needs of Scottish communities by having persistent offender fast tracking schemes in operation in all areas of Scotland by March 2008
- continuing to listen to frontline staff to identify improvements to working practices and working environment
The Lord Advocate, Lord Boyd of Duncansby QC, said:
"Over the past few years the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has made considerable progress in tackling a number of internal and external challenges. Reforms in the High Court and changes in legislation have impacted on every aspect of the department.
"I am pleased to say that our staff have risen to each and every one of these challenges, to ensure that the service remains an efficient and effective element of the Scottish criminal justice system.
"There is still much which can be done, and many more challenges in the coming years. The key priorities set out in the Strategic Plan launched today demonstrate our continuing commitment to delivering a quality service to victims, witnesses and communities throughout the country."