Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report- October 2021

First substantive marking

When COPFS receive a report that someone has committed a crime the prosecutor must decide whether and what action to take. This is recorded on the case as a "marking". If a decision cannot be taken immediately, an interim marking may be recorded. When a substantive decision is reached a First Substantive Marking (FSM) is recorded, to indicate how the prosecutor has decided to proceed.

The number of accused given a FSM by COPFS remains below pre-pandemic levels. The number of reports awaiting marking has been increasing in recent months and sits above 19-20 average levels. The number of reports with an interim marking has been above 19-20 average levels throughout 2020 and into 2021.