Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Not for publication before 27 August 2009

NEW SPECIALIST UNIT IMPROVING INVESTIGATION

OF DEATHS IN CENTRAL AREA

A new unit specialising in the investigation of sudden deaths is set to help reduce anxiety for bereaved families in the Central Area.

For the first time, the COPFS Central Area Deaths Investigation Unit provides a single point of contact for nearest relatives and external agencies.

Commenting on the impact of the new unit, which has handled more than 350 cases since it began operating in February 2009, Michelle Macleod, Area Procurator Fiscal for Central said:

"Building on existing arrangements and experience, our new unit enables a more efficient and timely response to the investigation of sudden, suspicious, accidental or unexplained deaths in this area.

"By providing one central contact for all deaths cases reported in Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa, the unit has already demonstrated a more focused and consistent approach to handling these cases. This has been welcomed by nearest relatives, as well as police, hospital staff, pathologists and other agencies who handle deaths."

Led by Senior Procurator Fiscal Depute Graham McLachlan, all staff in the unit have received specialist training in managing deaths cases. They are also responsible for engaging with local criminal justice partner agencies to generate a better understanding of the Procurator Fiscal's role in investigating deaths.

Chief Inspector Donald McMillan, Head of Road Traffic Police Unit at Central Scotland Police said:

"The new Central Area Deaths Investigation Unit has already significantly enhanced the service we receive in relation to deaths caused by road traffic accidents, speeding up our investigations to bring earlier closure for families and others affected by such fatal incidents.

"It ensures that a caring and professional approach is taken to dealing with what is an extremely traumatic time for those who have been bereaved, with the required enquiry and legal proceedings taking place in a timely, professional fashion which shows respect for victims and their families."

Ends

Notes to editors:

• The Procurator Fiscal is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, suspicious, accidental, and unexplained deaths.
• The Central Area Deaths Unit was established on 2 February 2009. Since that time the unit has been processing, managing, investigating and marking sudden deaths within the Central Area, comprising the District Offices of Stirling, Falkirk and Alloa.
• Falkirk was chosen as the most suitable location for the new Deaths Unit after consultation with partner agencies and taking into consideration the following key factors:

· The Falkirk PF Office receives more reports relating to deaths than other Central Area Offices (around 50% all cases in the area).

· The new Forth Valley acute hospital at Larbert near Falkirk is due to open next year, taking its first patients in late 2010. The hospital will deal with all A&E cases for Forth Valley.

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