A MAJOR transformation programme that will radically overhaul the way that evidence is handled and used by the criminal justice system has been announced.
New technology will facilitate swifter and more effective investigation, reporting, preparation and presentation of court cases.
The Scottish Government has contracted with Axon Public Safety UK Ltd to deliver the new Digital Evidence Sharing Capability service (DESC).
Axon, along with partner organisations, will pilot the innovative evidence sharing system launching in Spring 2022.
The system will transform how evidence is collected, managed and shared, allowing users such as police officers, prosecutors, court staff and defence agents to access evidence digitally in an efficient and user-friendly way.
READ MORE: Call for Craig Murray's release amid fears Covid 'directly threatens his life'
The initiative, which was developed collaboratively by justice partners, has the potential to significantly reduce the costs involved in managing and transporting CCTV footage, video interviews and forensic images in physical form.
It will also allow for earlier consideration and disclosure of evidence leading to quicker resolution of cases and potentially fewer trials – benefitting victims, witnesses, and those accused of crimes.
Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “This is an important step in improving the experience of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process.
“It will make a real difference to the time taken for cases to come to court, allowing those involved in criminal cases to move on with their lives sooner.
“Earlier resolution of cases is just one of the benefits this programme will bring. We are also putting in place a modern, forward looking platform that can be used as the basis for further transformation.
“This is an important development as we continue working across the criminal justice system to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“At the same time we are creating a modern and resilient system for the future.”
DESC lead for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) Andrew Laing said: “The DESC service is an important step in the modernisation of the justice system.”
Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service Chief Executive Eric McQueen said: “The justice system needs to keep pace with the growth and opportunities in digital advancements and we welcome the development of DESC, providing a secure evidence pathway from crime scene to court room.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel