The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ms. Tiffany Scatliffe, has revealed that her office continues to struggle with staffing shortages due to an outdated hiring process that has stymied efforts to achieve full operational capacity.
Speaking during the 2024 Standing Finance Committee deliberations, she lamented that at no time during her tenure as Director has the Office of the DPP had its full complement of legal staff, creating significant challenges in delivering justice efficiently.
Ms. Scatliffe outlined the burdensome 27-step hiring process managed by the Department of Human Resources, which takes an average of nine months to onboard legal professionals after shortlisting candidates. The lengthy procedure often results in candidates opting for opportunities elsewhere. Additionally, the DPP noted that despite a recent salary review, the inability to negotiate beyond the set grade one pay scale has made it difficult to attract and retain top-tier legal talent.
She emphasized that these issues have left her office chronically understaffed, with posts for Attorneys, Crown Counsel, and Principal Counsel consistently unfilled.
Dual Priority: Staff and Space
The DPP also highlighted the pressing need for adequate office space. While additional budgeted positions are crucial, the lack of a suitable building to house her team exacerbates the challenges. She described the current office as overcrowded, with air quality issues and insufficient parking safety.
Although a potential site has been identified, the building requires $237,518.58 for outfitting, including security enhancements and other infrastructure needs. The DPP explained that without the necessary space, even filling the vacant positions would not resolve the operational inefficiencies.
This was Ms. Scatliffe’s fourth appearance before the Standing Finance Committee since becoming Director and her seventh overall. She noted that concerns over inadequate resources have been raised repeatedly since 2017. Despite public acknowledgement of these issues, little progress has been made.