Crown Office sets out key objectives in new strategic plan

3rd February 2015 | criminal law , government-administration

Priorities for the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service over the next three yeares are set out in its newly published Strategic Plan 2015-2018.

The plan notes the impact of more cases being reported for prosecution, especially complex cases such as sexual offending, and the increasing use of specialist prosecutors and investigation units, along with legal reforms, both past and planned, changes in the patterns of criminal behaviour and developments in COPFS business practices.

"Key deliverables" cover management and leadership development, communication with the public and with victims and witnesses, regular review of prosecution policies, and the development for summary cases of "an initial case processing hub to deliver an improved focus and consistency in the initial stages of handling cases reported to us". There will also be a review of how High Court work is carried out, in view of the reduced number of locations for High Court trials.

The Strategic Plan objectivesare to ensure that:

  • criminal cases are effectively and independently investigated and prosecuted or have other proportionate action taken in the public interest;
  • deaths which need further explanation are appropriately and promptly investigated;
  • financial gain achieved by criminal means is removed from criminals using proceeds of crime laws;
  • a level of service which takes account of individual needs and characteristics is provided to all;
  • victims, nearest relatives and witnesses and those accused of an offence are treated with dignity and respect.

Crown Agent Catherine Dyer said: “Each element of the Strategic Plan 2015-2018 is designed to support our purpose to secure justice for the people of Scotland.

“We will continue to work with other parts of the criminal justice system to develop ever more productive working arrangements, performing a key role in the implementation of the various reforms to criminal law and procedure underway and planned in the years ahead, especially improving the quality of justice for victims and witnesses.

“We also want to ensure our staff are properly equipped to cope with the challenges ahead and remain skilled, motivated and engaged. To that end, improved leadership and management training, together with training in technical skills, form major strands of our people strategy.”