HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland is an independent scrutiny body whose role is to inspect the operation of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). COPFS is the sole prosecuting authority in Scotland.
Introduction
The role of HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland is to inspect the operation of COPFS. The Inspectorate seeks to:
- improve the way COPFS serves the public
- make COPFS more accountable
- assure the public that COPFS is running effectively
Our vision is to enhance the effectiveness of and to promote excellence in the prosecution service in Scotland through professional inspection and evaluation.
The inspectorate is led by HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland. The post is currently held by Laura Paton.
About HM Inspectorate of Prosecution
Corporate documents
- HM Inspectorate of Prosecution: strategic plan 2022 to 2025
- HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland: annual report 2020 to 2021
- HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland: annual report 2019 to 2020
- HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland: annual report 2018-2019
- HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland: annual report 2017-2018
- HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland: records management plan
Inspection programme
- Joint review of diversion from prosecution – Terms of reference
- Inspection of COPFS practice in relation to sections 274 and 275 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 – terms of reference
- Inspection of the management of criminal allegations against the police by COPFS: terms of reference
- Joint Inspection of Emergency Criminal Justice Provisions: terms of reference
Inspection reports
Our most recent inspection reports are listed below. Previous reports are available on the gov.scot archive.
- Inspection of the management of criminal allegations against the police by COPFS
- Emergency criminal justice provisions: joint inspection
- Investigation and prosecution of sexual crime: follow-up review
- Fatal Accident Inquiries: follow up review
- Prosecution of young people: report
- Victims' Right to Review: report, Complaints Handling and Feedback: follow-up
- Investigation and prosecution of sheriff solemn cases: thematic review
- Investigation and prosecution of sexual crimes: review
- Fatal Accident Inquiries: review
- Victims' Right to Review: report, Complaints Handling and Feedback: follow-up
- Thematic report on the management of time limits: follow-up
Archived reports
- Thematic report on the management of time limits
- Thematic report on organ retention
- Thematic report on the International Cooperation Unit
- Thematic report on Knowledge Bank
- Thematic report on COPFS Enquiry Point
- Thematic report on Health and Safety Division
Inspectorate of Prosecution content prior to August 2019 is available on the gov.scot archive.
Contact
Email: IPS@gov.scot
Tel: 0141 247 4346
Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland
Legal House 2nd Floor
101 Gorbals Street
Glasgow G5 9DW
Complaints
We follow the Scottish Government's complaints handling procedures.
Any complaints should, in the first instance, be directed to HM Chief Inspector at the above address.
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