The handling of cases involving people diagnosed with epilepsy will be boosted thanks to a new training DVD for Crown Office staff and Police Scotland officers In Dumfries and Galloway and the rest of Scotland . The awareness raising tool shows what seizure-related behaviour looks like. Real life scenarios portray how suspects having uncontrolled complex seizures may seem drunk and disorderly, appear to resist arrest, or to be acting illegally or indecently.
Developed by Epilepsy Scotland in partnership with both of these criminal justice agencies, who joint-funded the project, this DVD will be launched tonight at the national charity’s ‘Working Together for Justice’ Diamond Jubilee Parliamentary reception, where speakers Richard Simpson MSP, Public Health Minister Michael Matheson, Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC and DCC Iain Livingstone will address guests.
Epilepsy Scotland Chief Executive Lesslie Young remarked: ‘This DVD will help front line officers and staff in the judicial system consider and recognise epilepsy-related behaviour. We know some people can enter the criminal justice system inadvertently because of behaviour which is a direct result of seizure activity over which they have no control. Such cases are often dropped when corroborative medical evidence is provided but at a significant cost to the accused in high levels of stress and anxiety as well as the unnecessary use of judicial resources.
‘Changing the way serving officers and the prosecution service perceive and handle seizure-related behaviour through education is important to avoid that unnecessary stress and anxiety as well as preventing any possible miscarriage of justice. We are grateful for the unstinting support offered by the Lord Advocate and the Crown Office as well as that of Police Scotland in the making of this DVD. The fact is both agencies have engaged wholeheartedly on this issue and the DVD is testimony to their aim to deal appropriately with alleged offences involving epilepsy.”
Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC said: “Epilepsy Scotland is a valuable partner. We applaud the work in raising the issue of epilepsy across the criminal justice system. We look forward to continuing our work with Epilepsy Scotland in training our prosecutors in this important area.”
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “Our focus is on Keeping People Safe and ensuring that we respond in the best way possible to the individual needs of members of the public who come into contact with the police, whether they are victims of crime, witnesses or an accused. Officers and staff will come into contact with individuals in a number of different circumstances – in the community, responding to an emergency or a crime, or in custody.
“It’s vital we get it right first time. This training DVD will be a significant tool to assist us in recognising the signs of epilepsy and managing those situations. Raising awareness of police officers and police staff about epilepsy assists Police Scotland in ensuring we respond in a caring and appropriate manner in all circumstances.”
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