Prosecution guidance
Guidance for legal professionals about how COPFS makes prosecution decisions and how we work with partner organisations. Plus, guidelines for the police.
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COP26 Lord Advocate’s guidelines: Liberation by the police during COP26
Lord Advocate's guidelines to the police concerning liberation of offenders by police relating to the 26th UN climate change conference ('COP26').
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Lord Advocate's guidelines: Antisocial behaviour orders
Guidance to police about reporting of cases involving a breach of an antisocial behaviour order.
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Lord Advocate's guidelines: Breath test devices
Lord Advocate's guidelines for police on the operation of breath test devices and machines, and the procedure to be followed when obtaining readings.
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Lord Advocate's guidelines: Citation of witnesses
Lord Advocate's guidelines to police on procedures to be followed in the citation of witnesses for attendance at court.
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Lord Advocate's guidelines: Coronavirus fixed penalty notice scheme
Lord Advocate’s guidelines on the operation of the Fixed Penalty Notice Scheme under The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020.
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Lord Advocate's guidelines: Incidents at sporting events
Lord Advocate guidelines to chief constables regarding incidents between sports people during sporting events, especially those in front of crowds or televised.
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Lord Advocate's guidelines: Investigation and reporting of racist crime
Lord Advocate's guidelines to the police on the investigation and recording of racist crime, assessment of language needs and cultural sensitivities.
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Lord Advocate's guidelines: Investigation of road traffic deaths
Lord Advocate's guidelines for the chief constable on the investigation by the police of road traffic deaths.
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Lord Advocate's guidelines: Offences aggravated by prejudice
Lord Advocate's guidelines on offences aggravated by prejudice including guidance on investigation and reporting of crime, custody and undertakings.
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Lord Advocate's guidelines: Police and the media
Guidance on police communication with the media, possible contempt of court implications and guidance on giving statements to the media during an investigation.