Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service

Associate Member

The Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is Scotland’s prosecution service. COPFS receive reports about crimes from the police and other reporting agencies and then decide what action to take, including whether to prosecute someone. They also look into deaths that need further explanation and investigate allegations of criminal conduct against police officers.

COPFS plays a pivotal part in the justice system, working with others to make Scotland safe from crime, disorder and danger. The public interest is at the heart of all they do as independent prosecutors. COPFS take into account the diverse needs of victims, witnesses, communities and the rights of those accused of crime. They support the Strategy for Justice in Scotland and, in particular, its priorities of:

• Reducing crime, particularly violent and serious organised crime
• Tackling hate crime and sectarianism
• Supporting victims and witnesses
• Increasing public confidence and reducing fear of crime