Freedom of Information requests

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 you have a right to ask for information from Scottish public bodies, including COPFS.

What information can I ask for?

You can request information such as about our services, performance, decision making and how we allocate resources. There are some limits to the information we can provide, including where we need to protect personal privacy and safety.

Examples of items we can tell you about are:

  • internal workings of COPFS
  • complaints against the police
  • criminal prosecution
  • death investigations in Scotland
  • financial proceeds of crime
  • prosecution policy

If we don't hold the material you're looking for, we will try and point you in the direction of other organisations who may.

Our Publication scheme provides details about information we already publish. 

Who can make an FOI request?

Anyone can ask for information from COPFS.

Submit an FOI request

All FOI requests must be made in writing. You can contact us using the following details.

Email: FOI@copfs.gov.uk

Information Governance Unit
Policy Division
25 Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1LA

Can I see if someone has already asked for the information I want?

If they have, we keep a register of past FOI responses. It may enable us to give you the answers you’re looking for, without you having to wait while we search from scratch. Enquire at foi@copfs.gov.uk.

How long does it take?

We will give you a first response within 20 working days.

How much does it cost?

Information we give out following FOI requests is provided free of charge. The one exception is photocopying expenses. Also, we may decline requests likely to cost us over £600 to complete.

Support

If you would like help on how to word your request, email us at foi@copfs.gov.uk.

The Scottish Information Commissioner has further information about Freedom of Information requests.