Bid to improve Scottish disabled justice

A partnership aimed at giving disabled people better access to justice will see Scotland’s legal sector team up with disability organisations.

The scheme, coordinated by Capability Scotland, will allow disabled people to voice their concerns to police officers, solicitors and policy makers.

It comes after a survey suggested 40% of people with disabilities felt excluded from the justice system.

The poll also indicated 38% had been a victim of crime.

The Scottish Government, the Scottish Prison Service and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) are among the bodies involved.

Richard Hamer, director of External Affairs at Capability Scotland, said: “This collaborative approach is an excellent opportunity to bring together all those with an interest in ensuring that the justice system is accessible to all.

“We hope this will be the beginning of a longstanding relationship which will draw on disabled people’s skill and experience to improve the Scottish justice sector for all.”

‘Increase confidence’

A survey of 175 people last month, found 42% of those with disabilities had direct experience of the justice system. The most likely reason was being a victim of crime.

Nearly 10% said they had been involved in a tribunal such as employment, mental health or additional support needs.

Solicitor General Frank Mullholland QC, speaking on behalf of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “This ambitious and exciting new programme will help us to identify, develop and coordinate measures to improve access to justice for all disabled people.

“We will continue to work hard to increase the confidence of disabled people in the criminal justice system, and to encourage and facilitate disabled victims of crime to come forward.”

The scheme will conclude with a national conference, attended by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, in November.