Current status: Answered by Dorothy Bain on 9 July 2024
To ask the Scottish Government how many fatal accident inquiries it expects the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to complete in 2024.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry is concluded when the presiding Sheriff issues their Determination. COPFS has limited control over the timescale for commencing and concluding a FAI after the First Notice has been lodged.
It is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the number of death investigations where COPFS expects to conclude its enquiries and initiate FAI proceedings in 2024, particularly in relation to discretionary FAIs. There are a number of factors which affect timescales, such as the need to await the outcome of investigations by reporting agencies and to consider expert evidence or reports from other agencies.
The Head of SFIU writes to all Sheriffs Principal on a quarterly basis to ensure future FAI business is factored into the court programme as efficiently as possible.