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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Scottish Environment Protection Agency: joint working protocol
Read the joint working protocol between SEPA and COPFS for submission, processing and monitoring of prosecution reports
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Sensitive personal records policy
Policy explaining the rules governing the recovery and use of sensitive personal records during the investigation and prosecution of serious offences.
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Sharing of evidence in cases involving children
Agreement on the sharing of evidence and information between the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration, COPFS and the Police Service of Scotland.
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Sheriff court business: joint working
Protocol for court management and preparation of cases for sheriff court business between the Scottish Courts Service and COPFS
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Solemn and Summary criminal cases: joint working
An agreement between COPFS and the Scottish Court Service (SCS) regarding the programming and management of solemn and summary criminal cases.
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Terrorist cases: joint working within the UK
Read the joint statement regarding the handling of terrorist cases where the jurisdiction to prosecute is shared by prosecuting authorities in the UK.
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Transgender accused policy
Prosecution policy explaining how prosecutors will deal with cases in which the person accused of a crime is transgender.
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UK Borders Agency: joint working protocol
Read the joint protocol between COPFS and the UK Border Agency regarding immigration and associated crime.
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Work-related deaths protocol
The work-related deaths protocol agreed by the Health and Safety Executive, Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland), British Transport Police, and COPFS
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Working together for victims and witnesses
A protocol between COPFS, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS), Police Scotland, and Victim Support Scotland (VSS) to support victims and witnesses.