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.


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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