System for sharing evidence may resolve cases faster

An evidence-sharing system is to be piloted next year that could resolve criminal cases quicker and lead to potentially fewer trials, according to the Scottish Government.

Axon Public Safety UK Ltd has been contracted by the Scottish Government to deliver the Digital Evidence Sharing Capability service (DESC).

The contract, worth £10 million, will see the new system piloted in spring 2022.

It will change how evidence is collected, managed and shared, allowing police officers, prosecutors, court staff and defence agents to access evidence digitally.

The Scottish Government said it will reduce costs involved in managing and transporting evidence such as CCTV footage, video interviews and footage and physical forensic images.

It said the system will lead to quicker resolution of cases and potentially fewer trials as a result of earlier consideration and disclosure of evidence through the system.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown 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.”

The Scottish Government said digital evidence in the system will only be accessible by approved personnel, such as police officers, fiscal staff and defence agents and that access to information will be “fully audited and monitored”.