New digital platform to be introduced for evidence

Keith Brown

The Scottish government has contracted with Axon Public Safety UK Ltd, to deliver the new Digital Evidence Sharing Capability service (DESC).

Axon, along with partner organisations, will pilot the evidence sharing system launching in Spring 2022.The system will allow police officers, prosecutors, court staff and defence agents to access evidence digitally.

The initiative has the potential to “significantly reduce the costs involved in managing and transporting evidence such as CCTV footage, video interviews and forensic images in physical form”, the Scottish government claims.

It will also allow for “earlier consideration and disclosure of evidence”.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown, who has made no comment on the legal aid crisis mere weeks ahead of COP26, said: “This is an important step in improving the experience of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process.

“It will make a real difference to the time taken for cases to come to court, allowing those involved in criminal cases to move on with their lives sooner.

“Earlier resolution of cases is just one of the benefits this programme will bring. We are also putting in place a modern, forward looking platform that can be used as the basis for further transformation.

“This is an important development as we continue working across the criminal justice system to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, while at the same time creating a modern and resilient system for the future.”

DESC lead for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) Andrew Laing said: “The DESC service is an important step in the modernisation of the justice system.

“Sharing of evidence has become more complicated in recent years as digital information is often held in a myriad of formats.

“The DESC service will allow COPFS to more easily access evidence gathered by the police and share it with the accused and their defence quicker and more efficiently.

“COPFS is committed to working with all partners to ensure the new system provides benefits for all and improves our service to the public.”

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service Chief Executive Eric McQueen said: “The justice system needs to keep pace with the growth and opportunities in digital advancements and we welcome the development of DESC, providing a secure evidence pathway from crime scene to court room.

“This will facilitate faster resolution of cases through early disclosure of evidence, while streamlining evidence presentation in courts by moving away from multiple formats and manual handling of evidence.”