Fines
Fines Enforcement Managers (FEMs)
Six FEMs have individually been appointed to the six Sheriffdoms throughout Scotland.
Craig Donald Tayside, Central & Fife
David Dunsmuir Glasgow & Strathkelvin
Fiona Brown North Strathclyde
Helen Aston South Strathclyde, Dumfries & Galloway
Iain McIntosh Grampian, Highland & Islands
Peter Farry Lothian & Borders
These FEMs will manage the new process of fines enforcement where the Court has made an Enforcement Order.
The Scottish Parliament has approved a radical package of changes to fines collection and enforcement in Scotland through the introduction of the Criminal Proceedings etc (reform) (Scotland) Act 2007.
The changes will see swifter action against those who fail to pay fines. The package of measures is firm and fair and will:
- Increase confidence in the court system to apply quick and efficient sanctions against those who fail to pay fines.
- Increase confidence in the fine as a deterrent.
- Free up court time for more serious criminal cases.
- Free up police time in executing warrants for unpaid fines.
FEMs will manage Fines Enforcement Officers who will have the power to apply new sanctions available to them; these sanctions will be in the form of:
- DBO - Deduction fromfrom Benefits Order
- EAO - Earnings Arrestment Order
- AFO - Arrestment of Funds Order
- SVO - Seizure of Vehicle Order
The new FEMs are at the moment undertaking an extensive training programme in preparation for Court Unification in Lothian & Borders and the Implementation of Fines Enforcement Project taking place on 10th March 2008.