News In Focus
4 September 2008
Prosecution inspectorate publishes annual report
The Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland has published its third annual report.
The report covers area inspections of Dumfries & Galoway and Grampian, noting the challenges of complying with the Holland and Sinclair decisions on Crown disclosure. Two further area inspections are planned for the coming year. In addition more themed inspections will be undertaken, in line with the recommendations of the Crerar review. One of these will cover the controversial subject of the use of fiscal fines as part of summary justice reforms.
There will also be a report, in conjunction with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, on asset recovery.
The Chief Inspector of Prosecution Joe O'Donnell said: "Much has been achieved to develop the role of the inspectorate over the past year, and published work includes three thematic reviews on complaints against the police, liaison in deaths and (in conjunction with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Police) on wildlife crime.
"I look forward to progressing the IPS over the next year by focusing on specific areas of performance and continuing to work in a dynamic way to encourage sharing of best practice and recommending improvements in service delivery."
The aim of the Inspectorate is to contribute to making improvements in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, making it more accountable and enhancing public confidence.
The IPS annual report can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/08/27155109/0 .