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Inspectorate of Prosecution
15/05/2008
The Inspectorate of Prosecution today published an inspection report on the Grampian Area of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
The Inspectorate found:
- While there was difficulty in filling posts especially in Aberdeen, nearly all targets were met
- Oil, gas and fishery cases were well handled
- Disclosure to the defence was on occasions later than desirable
HM Chief Inspector Joe O'Donnell said:
"Grampian covers a large part of Scotland. In addition to normal prosecution and death investigation functions, the area office is also responsible for cases associated with oil and gas exploration of the North Sea and fisheries.
"Over a four year period, Grampian experienced an increase in serious business of 51 per cent compared to a national average of 17 per cent. This has inevitably placed a strain on existing resources, especially in the area of disclosure of evidence. I found nearly all targets were met and that disclosure to the defence was nearly always done but occasionally late. I recommend consideration should be given to creating an ad hoc team to carry out disclosure to enable time targets to be met."
There are four Procurator Fiscal's Offices in the Area situated at:
- Aberdeen (covering Stonehaven)
- Banff
- Elgin
- Peterhead
The Grampian Area covers Sheriff Courts at Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Peterhead, Elgin and Banff, and District Courts at Aberdeen, Banff, Inverurie, Peterhead, Stonehaven and Elgin. The Area Management Team is based in the Aberdeen office.
The Inspectorate of Prosecution, in accordance with its business plan, is conducting inspections of the 11 Areas of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and of Crown Office (Headquarters functions). These inspections are wide ranging, including reviews of individual cases, bail considerations, management issues, service to victims and witnesses, disclosure issues and equality issues etc.
The Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland is an independent statutory body charged with the inspection of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. It does this by way of Office and Area inspection reports and also by thematic reports.