Grampian Police slash court case times
4 Oct 05
Pilot scheme sees average time to disposal reduced from 247 days to 35
A Grampian Police pilot scheme has slashed the amount of time taken to get cases to court from an average of 247 days to just 35.
The scheme has been operating since March this year and applies to summary cases heard at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. The 35 days applies from the time of the incident to the disposal of the case.
Grampian Local Criminal Justice Board had set up a special task force to look at why the system had been taking so long and established a way for the police, prosecutors and the courts to work together to eliminate duplicated or unnecessary work.
Under the new system officers can liaise with depute fiscal Andy Shanks as soon as they consider there is enough evidence for a charge. Ninety per cent of reports have been abbreviated without detriment to the quality of evidence.
Cases under the pilot are processed through a "cleanstream" court to avoid the existing backlog, but the police say they are not otherwise receiving extra support.
Grampian Chief Constable Colin McKerracher made increased efficiency a target when he took up post a year ago. If the scheme were replicated across the whole Grampian Police area, it would make the equivalent of 30 more frontline officers available.