A computerised information system is to be set up in the Crown Office and within the procurator-fiscal service to provide a better deal for victims of crime.
The system will provide information on an automated basis to make it easier for the prosecution service to keep victims and witnesses up to date with the progress of their case.
It could be used, for example, to let witnesses know their case had been adjourned and they need not turn up at court on a specific day or to inform vulnerable witnesses in sex assault cases that the accused had been released on interim liberation.
The move follows research by the Scottish Office central research unit on what victims are looking for from the justice system.
The conclusions, echoed in this week's series in The Herald on victims of crime, were that victims wanted to be kept up to date about the progress of their own case, needed general information about the criminal justice system and information about agencies they could contact for further help.
The computerised information system will be the latest in a series of initiatives in the area of victim/witness information following the publication of the last Government's White Paper on Crime and Punishment in 1996.
It set out a four-point plan, including establishing a victims' steering group to advise the Government on policy and good practice, distributing information leaflets for victims, and drafting a code of practice for all organisations who routinely deal with victims.
q Scotland's second largest police force yesterday announced a new plan to tackle the causes of crime. The Lothian and Borders force is spending #1.5m to promote community safety initiatives through closer links with local groups.
Need for compassion Page 14
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