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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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

now 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.

Chart: Marking status of COPFS reports (bars – monthly count April 2020 to August 2021, dashed lines 19-20 average)
Bar chart showing marking status of COPFS reports by month.

Contact

Email: justice_analysts@gov.scot

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