Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority with an overview of activities carried out by the Chair since the last Authority meeting held on 27 June 2024.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Meeting of the Scottish Police Authority - 22 August 2024
Date : 22 August 2024
Location : The Grand Hall, Merchants House, 7 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 1BA
Launch of Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC)
On 1 August, I attended an event in Stirling police station to mark the roll out of new digital evidence sharing software (DESC). The software allows police officers, prosecutors, defence lawyers, court staff and judges to access a secure, unified system to collect, store and manage evidence digitally.
The national roll out of this software is an important milestone for the entire justice system. It offers a platform to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services and the provision of policing services. Importantly, it will also ensure that we all better serve the needs of victims and communities in the effective pursuit of criminals. The evidence from the pilot was that there were considerable police officer and court time savings as a result the earlier guilty pleas due to early supply of evidence.
Importantly, the national roll out will also provide the groundwork for further modernisation of the criminal justice process; including supporting the introduction of body worn video for frontline police officers.
