1. Biometric data retention: review report

    A report by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner of a review of the retention of biometric data provided for under sections 18 to 19C of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.

  2. Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

    This document is the Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment for the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill. This Bill has two purposes and covers provisions that relate to criminal justice modernisation and domestic homicide and suicide reviews.

  3. Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment

    The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill is a dual purpose Bill and covers provisions that relate to criminal justice modernisation and domestic homicide and suicide reviews. This summarises findings of the Equality Impact Assessment.

  4. Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty summary

    The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill is a dual purpose Bill and covers provisions that relate to criminal justice modernisation and domestic homicide and suicide reviews. This summarises findings of the Fairer Scotland Duty impact assessment.

  5. Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment

    This document records the decision not to undertake a full Island Communities Impact Assessment for the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill. It also summarises the evidence that has been considered, along with the rationale for this decision.

  6. Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment

    This document is the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill. This Bill has two purposes and covers provisions that relate to criminal justice modernisation and domestic homicide and suicide reviews.

  7. Violence prevention framework for Scotland: annual progress report 2023 to 2024

    The Violence Prevention Framework (2023) sets out a comprehensive range of activity to prevent violence from happening in the first place and to reduce the impact when it does. This report highlights the progress that has been made over 2023 to 2024 with partners on our shared programme.

  8. First Minister meets faith representatives and political leaders

    FM: “This is a time for solidarity.”

  9. Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2021-22 – Updated

    Statistics on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and alternative measures to prosecution issued by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are presented for the 10 years from 2012-13 to 2021-22. The latest two years of data were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  10. Building a New Scotland: Justice in an independent Scotland

    This paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for justice in an independent Scotland.

  11. Building a New Scotland: Justice in an independent Scotland - Easy Read

    Easy read version of the Scottish Government's vision for justice in an independent Scotland.

  12. Marches, parades and static demonstrations: guidance

    This publication sets out the key duties and responsibilities for local authorities facilitating marches, parades and protests in Scotland. It provides guidance and highlights best practice for all key parties involved.

  13. Domestic abuse victims encouraged to seek support

    Fewer than one in five incidents reported to police.

  14. Domestic homicide reviews: identifying best practice in learning lessons and implementing change

    This working paper outlines 15 aspects of good practice to be considered in the development of a domestic homicide and suicide review model for Scotland. It identifies existing challenges with implementing recommendations from reviews and considers how to define and measure success and impact.

  15. Prostitution - challenging and deterring men's demand: strategic approach

    Sets our our collective approach, working with stakeholders across the wider public and third sector, to challenge and deter men’s demand for prostitution and support those with experience of it.

  16. National Care Service: Justice Social Work research

    This report summarises research undertaken by IPSOS Scotland and Prof. Beth Weaver in 2023. It explores the views of Justice Social Work staff, partners and people experiencing the justice system about its strengths and weaknesses, and asks their views on potential inclusion within a future National Care Service (NCS).

  17. Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation

    We are committed to protecting, respecting and championing the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people. This consultation on proposals for a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill seeks the views of everyone on how we can do this.

  18. Serious Organised Crime Taskforce: progress report 2023

    This progress report details some of the advances made by the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and its partners.

  19. Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2021/22: Main Findings

    Main findings from the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2021/22.

  20. Scotland's approach to antisocial behaviour: review findings

    This report presents findings on the perceptions of current approaches to antisocial behaviour in Scotland, based on discussions with key stakeholders including victims and frontline staff. The report will help inform future reviews on best practice for preventing and tackling antisocial behaviour.

  21. Vision for Justice in Scotland: three year delivery plan

    Provides a high-level overview of the main areas of work that are being undertaken across the justice sector, and further significant reforms that will be introduced over the period 2023 to 2026.

  22. Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Scotland: national overview report 2022-2023

    The Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), are a set of statutory partnership working arrangements introduced in 2007. This report provides an overview of the main national developments in relation to MAPPA during the reporting period from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.

  23. Proceeds of Crime Act 2002: Appointed Person for Scotland report 2022 to 2023

    Report by the independent Appointed Person for Scotland on the exercise by constables, in 2022 to 2023, of search powers conferred by the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

  24. Recorded Crime in Scotland: year ending June 2023

    Statistics on crimes and offences recorded by the police in Scotland in the year ending June 2023, split by crime or offence group and by local authority.

  25. Cashback for Communities phase 6: children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment

    Children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment for phase 6 of the CashBack for Communities programme.

  26. Cashback for Communities phase 6: island communities impact assessment

    Island communities impact assessment for the CashBack for Communities programme.

  27. User Guide to Recorded Crime Statistics in Scotland

    Provides detailed information on the Recorded Crime in Scotland statistical bulletin series. It is designed to be a useful reference guide with explanatory notes regarding issues and classifications which are crucial to the production and presentation of crime statistics in Scotland.

  28. Reconviction Statistics 2019-20

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  29. Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill passed

    Reforms to bail and prison release to benefit victims.

  30. New firework laws come into force

    Powers to help improve firework safety.

  31. Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2022-23

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  32. Tackling criminal exploitation

    Safeguarding the most vulnerable.

  33. Criminal exploitation: practitioner guidance

    Guidance to support a shared understanding of criminal exploitation to help assist with early identification of those at risk from serious organised crime. This guidance also applies to criminal exploitation which is not linked to serious organised crime.

  34. New violence prevention strategy

    Action to help drive down harm.

  35. Violence prevention framework

    This Framework sets out our vision to prevent violence across Scotland, and when it does occur, to reduce its harm. It is supported by an evidence supplement, spotlights some cross government work and includes priority aims and an action plan, outlining the initial activities going forward.

  36. Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment

    This impact assessment looks at the costs and benefits of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill that affect the public, private and third sector.

  37. Scottish Household Survey 2021 - telephone survey: key findings

    A summary of the key findings from the Scottish Household Survey 2021 telephone survey.

  38. Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start

    This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.

  39. £20 million Cashback for Communities

    More than £130 million from proceeds of crime invested to support young people to date.

  40. Reforming the criminal law to address misogyny: consultation

    A consultation on draft legislation to implement recommendations for reform of the criminal law contained in the report of the Working Group on Misogyny chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy KC.

  41. Recorded crime decrease

    Fewer victims and people feel safer.

  42. Recorded Crime in Scotland: year ending December 2022

    Statistics on crimes and offences recorded by the police in Scotland in the year ending December 2022, split by crime or offence group and by local authority.

  43. Recorded Crime in Scotland, year ending December 2022

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  44. Review of emerging technologies in policing: findings and recommendations

    Findings and recommendations of the Independent advisory group on new and emerging technologies in policing.

  45. Legal frameworks and ethical standards workstream report: Final Report

    Final Report of the Legal frameworks and ethical standards workstream of the Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing.

  46. Research evidence, technological innovation and scientific standards in policing workstream report

    Final report of the research evidence, technological innovation and scientific standards in policing workstream of the Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing.

  47. Oversight, scrutiny and review workstream report

    Final report of the oversight, scrutiny and review workstream of the Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing.

  48. Independent review – Independent advisory group on new and emerging technologies in policing: final report

    The final report of the Independent advisory group on new and emerging technologies in policing.

  49. Informed decision-making, community engagement and participation workstream report

    Final Report of the Informed decision-making, community engagement and participation workstream of the Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing.

  50. Supporting victims of crime

    £500,000 more for victims’ organisations.

  51. Diversion from prosecution: joint review

    A joint review of diversion from prosecution carried out by HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland and the Care Inspectorate

  52. Justice Social Work Statistics in Scotland: 2021-22

    This publication presents national-level information on justice social work activity in Scotland. It includes data on justice social work services and social work orders, as well as characteristics of the individuals involved.

  53. New Parole Board Rules

    Changes make rules simpler and clearer.

  54. Budget prioritises £3.4 billion for justice

    Critical services supported despite challenging economic climate.

  55. Support for improved rights for victims

    Improving experiences of the justice system.

  56. Victim Surcharge Fund

    More help for victims as criminals pay towards costs.

  57. Recorded crime below pre-pandemic levels

    Trend down as people feel safe in communities.

  58. Recorded Crime in Scotland, year ending September 2022

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  59. New custodial unit for women

    Glasgow centre is aimed at transforming support for women in custody.

  60. Rent freeze focus of Programme for Government

    Ministers act to protect people in cost crisis.

  61. Crime drops

    People feel safer in communities.

  62. Cyber security boosted

    Training to help safeguard organisations from attack.

  63. Justice Analytical Services - safer communities and justice statistics monthly data report: July 2022 edition

    This is a monthly data summary report with an overview of a number of important justice and safer communities statistics.

  64. The not proven verdict and related reforms: consultation analysis

    An independent analysis of the responses to the public consultation on the not proven verdict and related reforms which ran from 13 December 2021 to 11 March 2022.

  65. National Strategy for Community Justice launched

    Reducing reoffending will lead to fewer victims.

  66. Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill passes

    New laws will ensure safety for people across Scotland.

  67. Criminal proceedings in Scotland: 2020-2021

    Statistics on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and alternative measures to prosecution issued by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are presented for the ten years from 2011-12 to 2020-21. The latest year’s data is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  68. Miners’ Strike Pardon Bill passes

    Key legislation will pardon former miners of certain offences.

  69. Victims’ consultation launches

    Putting people at the heart of the justice system.

  70. Scottish Crime and Justice Survey: user workshops - summary

    Summary of the feedback gathered during three user workshops on the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey held during January 2022.

  71. Scottish Crime and Justice Survey: consultation analysis

    Summary of the responses and feedback gathered during the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey consultation and associated discussion events.

  72. Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS): information

    This leaflet provides information on how to Self-refer to a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS). It provides information on accessing healthcare through NHS Scotland for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

  73. £3.2m to strengthen remand alternatives

    Bail supervision and assessment support.

  74. Victims will benefit from key support

    £48m funding underlines government commitment.

  75. Independent group on marches and parades

    Experts to consider ways to promote peaceful assemblies.

  76. Working Group on Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland

    Justice Secretary welcomes report and will now “consider recommendations”.

  77. New Bairns’ Hoose appointment

    Post will drive improvements for children.

  78. Economic Crime Bill

    Greater powers to fight corruption.

  79. Working together against cyber crime

    New co-ordination centre to tackle cyber threats

  80. Serious Organised Crime Taskforce Strategy updated

    Justice Secretary Keith Brown welcomes partnership approach.

  81. New vision for justice

    Victims placed at the heart of ensuring just, safe, and resilient communities.

  82. Criminal justice social work statistics: 2020-21

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  83. Not proven consultation opens

    Views sought on three verdict system and related reforms.

  84. Victim Surcharge Fund reopens for applications

    Criminals pay towards helping victims.

  85. New victim support fund announced

    Scheme will diversify and broaden support for victims.

  86. Recorded crime remains at low levels

    Crimes in four key areas down in the past year.

  87. Supporting children in the justice system

    Improving services for victims and witnesses.

  88. Backing for staff facing abuse

    Wearing of face coverings vital to limit COVID-19 spread.

  89. Hate Crime Bill passed

    MSPs vote in favour of milestone legislation.

  90. Understanding the nature of hate crime

    Report outlines characteristics of victims and perpetrators.

  91. Characteristics of police recorded hate crime in Scotland: study

    This report presents the findings of a study into the nature of police recorded hate aggravated crimes in Scotland. This includes new details on the characteristics of these cases, based on a random sample of police recorded crimes.

  92. CashBack for Communities

    More than 100,000 young people supported by scheme.

  93. Self-disclosure of previous convictions and alternatives to prosecution: guidance

    Guidance on the rules of self-disclosure in relation to previous convictions and alternatives to prosecution under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 in Scotland.

  94. Previous convictions and alternatives to prosecution: disclosure periods

    Tables setting out the disclosure periods of previous convictions and alternatives to prosecution under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 in Scotland.

  95. Self-disclosure of previous convictions and alternatives to prosecution: guidance - summary

    Summary of guidance on the rules of self-disclosure in relation to previous convictions and alternatives to prosecution under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 in Scotland.

  96. Cross border operation welcomed

    Controlled drugs, cash and firearms seized.

  97. People feel safer in their communities

    Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2018-19.

  98. Impact of COVID-19 on crime

    New monthly statistics published.

  99. Recorded Crime in Scotland: April 2020

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  100. Criminals seek to exploit COVID-19 outbreak

    Organised crime groups target most vulnerable.

  101. Short-term prisoners considered for early release

    Further safeguard for those working and living in prisons amid COVID-19 outbreak.

  102. Ensuring continuity of justice during COVID-19

    Emergency powers for release a ‘last resort’.

  103. Criminal Proceedings in Scotland 2018-19

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  104. Around £13 million saved from fraudsters

    Banking protocol success.

  105. Criminal justice social work statistics: 2018-19

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  106. Community payback orders: unit level data report

    In depth analysis of data collected on community payback orders.

  107. Understanding use of remand

    Study of reasons behind decisions on bail and remand.

  108. Preventing harmful sexual behaviour

    Expert Group focused on children and young people.

  109. £19 million CashBack funding allocated

    Youth projects share cash seized from criminals.

  110. Festive drink and drug-drive campaign

    Motorists warned of zero tolerance approach.

  111. Improving the parole process

    More involvement for victims.

  112. Protecting people from domestic abuse

    New protective orders to safeguard those at risk.

  113. UEFA European Championship Bill

    Bill proposes to criminalise ticket touting for matches.

  114. Non-sexual violence in Scotland: report

    Findings on the most up to date, complementary statistics on non-sexual violence in Scotland.

  115. Major study into repeat victims of violence

    Violent crime much lower than a decade ago, despite more reports last year.

  116. Delivering community justice

    National leadership group established.

  117. Management of Offenders Bill passed

    Expansion of electronic monitoring and disclosure improvements.

  118. Reducing reoffending

    Reconviction rate remains at lowest level in 20 years.

  119. Reconviction Statistics 2016-17

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  120. Research into fall in violence

    Younger adults involved in fewer offences.

  121. Biometrics Commissioner

    New role to oversee police use of personal forensic data.

  122. Reducing ineffective short prison terms

    Order published to extend presumption against short prison sentences.

  123. CashBack for Communities

    Crime proceeds to steer young people away from offending.

  124. Helping people with convictions

    £3.4 million to support reintegration and reduce reoffending.

  125. Electronic monitoring: uses, challenges and successes

    This report reviews the published literature on the uses, challenges and successes of electronic monitoring for people with convictions and on bail.

  126. Hate crime: availability of information recorded by the police in Scotland

    Update on work by our statisticians and Police Scotland to review the availability of information on hate crime.

  127. Air weapon licensing in Scotland: guide

    Guidance published by Scottish Ministers on the practical application of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.

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