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Fines Enforcement Officers role and responsibilities - Q&A

What does a Fines Enforcement Officer (FEO) do?

A Fine Enforcement Officer has responsibility for:

  • Enforcing fines;
  • Giving advice to fine payers about how to make payments;
  • Supporting those who want to pay and are struggling;
  • Taking a range of actions against those who won't pay;
  • Making sure that fine payers keep to the terms of the Enforcement Order (EO); and
  • Making sure that fine payers know what will happen if they don't keep to the terms of the EO.
  • Importantly, the Fines Enforcement Officer can give help and advice to fine payers who are genuinely having difficulties in paying their fines.

What powers do Fines Enforcement Officers have?

A Fines Enforcement Officer can enforce payment of a fine by using a range of sanctions including:

  • Deduction from Benefits Orders (DBO);
  • Earnings Arrestment Orders (EAO);
  • Arrestment of Funds Orders (AFO); and
  • Seizure of Vehicle Orders (SVO).
  • I am struggling to pay my fine; can a Fines Enforcement Officer help me?
  • A Fines Enforcement Officer can discuss your circumstances and may make a variation in your payment plan or may direct you to outside agencies for advice about your fine and other debts.

Why do I have to fill in a Declaration of Income (DOI) form?

A Fine Enforcement Officer is responsible for collecting and analysing all information about your income and expenditure. This information will help a Fine Enforcement Officer to make the right decision about individual payment plans. The Declaration of Income form will help a Fine Enforcement Officer to agree a realistic payment plan with you. The information in the Declaration of Income form will also help the Justice of the Peace or Sheriff decide whether a fine is suitable in the first place.

Who can I contact?

Click here to contact the Fines Enforcement Team


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warning to pay fines

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service will pursue all unpaid fines.