Diane is a Precognition Officer at the District Fiscal's Office in Ayr. She has worked in several offices and has gained experience in different areas of the Department's work:
I joined the COPFS, in 1986, and initially worked in the Admin section, as a Admin Assistant doing filing, and answering telephone calls. I progressed to Office Manager in 1988.
I became a Precognition Officer in 1991, and since then I have worked in Glasgow, Stirling and now Ayr.
My job primarily relates to the investigation and preparation of serious crime, and also sudden death inquiries.I require to interview victims and witnesses, to establish the facts, and prepare their evidence, into the 'Precognition', which the person prosecuting the case will use in Court.
In serious criminal cases, I often need to seek the assistance of, and interview expert witnesses, such as surgeons, scientists, pathologists etc….. I also assist the prosecutors in Court with these cases, when required.
To assist me with my role, the COPFS, encouraged me to complete my Criminal Law I & 2 Certificates at Strathclyde University, Glasgow. They also hold regular training courses on a variety of subjects, which are relevant to my role.
I find my job to be very interesting and challenging. Every day is different, and I find it very rewarding when a person is convicted by the Courts, in a case, where I did my part.