Inspection programme

Issues for inspection are selected on the basis of risk and intelligence, and following consultation with the Law Officers, COPFS and stakeholders. The Lord Advocate has the authority to refer matters to HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland (IPS) for inspection, meaning that a certain degree of flexibility in the programme is required to incorporate issues that emerge throughout the year.

Terms of reference

In 2020, IPS began publishing terms of reference for each of our inspections. The terms of reference set out the issue we intend to inspect, the scope of the inspection, how we intend to gather evidence and the estimated timescales for the work. The terms of reference are drafted after initial scoping work has been carried out and following preliminary discussions with key stakeholders. By publishing terms of reference, we aim to increase transparency and promote awareness of our work. The terms of reference can also be used as a tool to engage those with an interest in the issue being inspected.

Current inspections

Focused follow-up inspection of how the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) communicates with victims of domestic abuse in summary cases and enhanced victim engagement

We have commenced a follow-up inspection that will consider whether COPFS is providing basic information to victims of domestic abuse at key stages of their case. We will also consider enhanced victim engagement, which is a requirement for prosecutors to telephone, or in some cases meet, victims of domestic abuse at the early stage of summary proceedings. This is a follow-up inspection in relation to elements of our 2024 inspection on the prosecution of domestic abuse cases at sheriff summary level.

If you have information or experience of communication with COPFS in summary domestic abuse cases that you would like to share with us, please contact us. 

Following up previous recommendations

We are currently assessing progress made by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in implementing recommendations regarding:

  • Diversion from prosecution
  • The prosecution of domestic abuse cases at sheriff summary level
  • Responding to enquiries: service delivery through National Enquiry Point

Future inspections

We have a number of topics currently under consideration for future inspections. If there is an aspect of COPFS work that you think would benefit from independent scrutiny, please contact us.