Main Report

Introduction

The Criminal Justice Improvement Plan was developed, and launched in May 2023, as a consequence of the following:

Considerable financial pressures.

Directly responding to the concerns expressed by Divisional Commanders regarding capacity and inefficiencies.

Identifying areas for systems level improvements that were within the sole responsibility of Police Scotland.

A pressing organisational need to reduce demand and increase capacity.

Introducing a person centred and trauma informed approach throughout all tiers of the criminal justice system.

Maximising the digital opportunities provided during the response to the Covid pandemic.

Chief Constable Farrell has also been clear that Criminal Justice and the delivery of same for victims is a priority, along with the ability to maximise frontline service provision and the prevention of crime in the first instance.

The plan has been subject of several versions, accepting that timelines and actions will continue to change. Delivery of the plan is overseen through the Criminal Justice Improvement Group which sits monthly.

Since its inception, CJ Improvement has been included within the Change environment in acknowledgement of the foundations that it provides for all other change activity. The plan will continue to develop and evolve, with project support having been requested to assist with reporting and monitoring.

Victims groups, the latest academic research and international best practice have all been reflected in the CJ Improvement Plan.

The CJ Improvement Plan is a series of interconnected levers that all need to move at pace to achieve maximum effect.