Joint review of diversion from prosecution – Terms of reference

Appendix 1 – Diversion from prosecution process

This process chart appears in the National Guidelines on Diversion from Prosecution and is reproduced here with the kind permission of Community Justice Scotland.

Reporting agency send Standard Police Report (SPR) to COPFS

COPFS assess sufficiency of evidence and whether prosecutorial action is in the public interest

COPFS assess the most appropriate outcome in the case

No action

Referral to SCRA

Other alternative to prosecution

Prosecution in court

Diversion scheme

Unsuitable for diversion scheme

Assessment for diversion scheme by local authority

Suitable for diversion scheme but no further intervention necessary

Suitable for diversion scheme and further action necessary

Local authority designs and implements diversion scheme in agreed timescales

Report on activity returned to COPFS on completion