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

Monthly data report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the justice system in Scotland, including information from Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, and Scottish Prison Service.

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Reports received by COPFS

After a crime is classified and a suspect charged, police send a report to the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).

Total reports received by COPFS have remained just below pre-pandemic levels since March 2021.

  • The total number of reports received by COPFS decreased substantially at the beginning of the first lockdown. Numbers then increased towards but on average below pre-pandemic levels.
  • Custody report numbers are consistently around two-thirds of 19-20 average levels (around 1,000 less per month) .
  • Undertaking report numbers remain consistently around 50% higher than 2019-20 levels (around 1,000 more per month) and were at their highest level since the pandemic started (almost twice the 19-20 average) in June 2021.
Chart: All reports received by COPFS (bars – monthly count April 2020 to August 2021, dashed line 19-20 average)
Bar chart showing the total number of reports received by COPFS.
Chart: Custody reports received by COPFS (bars – monthly count April 2020 to August 2021, dashed line 19-20 average)
Bar chart showing custody reports received by COPFS.
Chart: Undertaking reports received by COPFS (bars – monthly count April 2020 to August 2021, dashed line 19-20 average)
Bar chart showing undertaking reports received by COPFS.

Contact

Email: justice_analysts@gov.scot

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