Joint inspection of emergency criminal justice provisions

HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland (IPS) is led by HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution who is appointed by the Lord Advocate to inspect the operation of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. The functions of HM Chief Inspector are set out in the Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007. The 2007 Act makes clear that in the exercise of any of the functions conferred by the Act, HM Chief Inspector is independent of any other person.

This joint inspection was undertaken by HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland under section 79 of the Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007; and by HMICS under section 74(2)(a) of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. This report was submitted to the Lord Advocate under section 79 of the 2007 Act and laid before the Scottish Parliament under section 79(3) of the 2012 Act.