« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
SCOTLAND'S CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLAN
MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
Scotland is set upon the most radical reform of its criminal justice system for more than a generation.
Devolution makes reform on this scale possible. The challenges we face in our communities and across our country make it necessary.
I am proud to publish Supporting Safer, Stronger Communities: Scotland's Criminal Justice Plan, which for the first time brings together all the elements of reform. It describes and explains the changing picture for communities, law enforcement agencies and the courts. It includes proposals for a new framework for offender management services which will demand significant change of both the Scottish Prison Service and local government. I have been privileged to meet some of the thousands of dedicated people who work hard every day throughout Scotland's criminal justice services, often in very demanding settings. They will find here an explanation of how the contribution they make will fit into the bigger picture in the future.
This ambitious and wide-ranging programme is united by a common purpose - to reduce reoffending. I am determined that Scotland tackles the cycle of repeat offending which accounts for so much of the misery caused by crime. This is not to say we will not continue to strengthen our efforts to prevent crime and offending. We will. But we cannot afford to go on with our police, courts, prisons and above all our communities burdened by so much repeat offending. Those who offend and offend again must be challenged to end their offending behaviour and return to a law-abiding lifestyle. We have to get smarter in the way we use our resources to break patterns of criminal behaviour, and break down barriers between organisations. Reducing reoffending must be a priority for the whole criminal justice system: everyone will benefit if we succeed.
We know what we need to do. To push forward with our reforms to protect communities and prevent crime, tackle drug addiction, reform our courts, deliver effective interventions and sentences which fit the crime and build integrated services to manage sentenced offenders. Supporting Safer, Stronger Communities: Scotland's Criminal Justice Plan is not a consultation document. It is a plan of action and its achievement will require continuing commitment and hard work by many different people.
I am confident about success. I am confident that working together we will make safer, stronger communities a reality for us all.
Cathy Jamieson MSP
Minister for Justice
« Previous | Contents | Next »