Crown Office looks ahead

More resources are needed to meet the commitments

The Crown Office, which carries out criminal prosecutions in Scotland, has published a plan setting out its key objectives for the future.

The Strategic Plan for 2000 to 2003 sets out the priorities identified by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Particular emphasis is given to violent crime, including domestic violence, sexual offences, drug-related crime and racially motivated crime.

The document lays out a framework for the prosecution service and identifies specific commitments.

Commitments include:

• By June 2000, updated instructions on violent crime and domestic violence will have been prepared and issued to fiscals

• A programme of training about issues relating to violence will be developed and implemented by September 2000

• An information leaflet will be prepared for rape victims by September 2000

• A review of prosecution policy and practice in drug-related crime will have been conducted and any required changes implemented by September 2000

• There will be continued liaison with the Commission for Racial Equality and other relevant groups, including the Scottish Executive's Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Steering Group

• The plan includes a commitment to give all staff anti-racist training.

The plan also lists a range of measures designed to improve the service provided by fiscals to victims and witnesses.

A programme of victim awareness training for all staff is in the pipeline and a pilot project is to be launched in Aberdeen where support will be provided to victims and bereaved next-of kin in serious cases.

The document concedes that more resources will be required to meet all the commitments which have been made.

An admission that processes need modernised and streamlined to speed work up is backed by a scheme to overhaul the service's IT strategy.