Following a complaint of a criminal offence to the police, what information is provided thereafter to the victim by the (a) police, (b) pro…

Following a complaint of a criminal offence to the police, the information provided by the organisations set out is as follows:(a) the police refer all victims who want to be referred to Victim Support Scotland. Support from specially trained police officers is also available. Procedures are in place to ensure that, where a report is submitted to the procurator fiscal's office, the victim is informed.(b) the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is rolling out a Victim Information and Advice service across Scotland. At present, the service covers six of the 11 procurator fiscal areas. It provides information about the progress of the case, as well as providing information on the criminal justice system in general, offering support where required and making referrals to other agencies who can provide support to victims. (c) the Scottish Court Service has published standards to ensure that all victims and witnesses present are kept informed on a regular basis, on the day of the trial, of any developments, changes and delays in the management of the case, including the reason for delays, changes in venue and similar administrative issues. Victims are also supported by the Witness Service, which has been set up in all 48 sheriff courts and will be rolled out to all High Courts in 2003. Operated by Victim Support Scotland, the Witness Service offers victims and witnesses attending court non case-specific information, advice and support, including information about the workings of a court, and the opportunity to visit the court building beforehand.(d) Criminal justice social work departments may provide information and support to victims and witnesses on occasion, particularly when there is no witness service available. (e) The Scottish Prison Service currently operates a victim notification scheme, for victims of violent or sexual crimes whose assailant is sentenced to a custodial sentence of four years or more. The scheme ensures that, when the offender is about to be released from custody, the Scottish Prison Service will so inform victims who have asked to be informed.(f) In relation to the Parole Board, arrangements exist for victims of more serious crimes to make representations to the Parole Board on their concerns with regard to the release of the offender. Proposals to strengthen these arrangements are included in the current Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.