Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services Data Report - December 2020

Seventh release of a 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.


Prison population

While the total prison population has fallen with reduced court business, the number of people held on remand remains at a historic high level.

In December 2020 (up until the morning of 1st January):

  • the population fell by 113 to 7,465
  • 1,979 were on remand: 1,755 (24%) untried & 224 (3%) awaiting sentence
  • 69% of arrivals in December were untried (678 of 976), and 13% awaiting sentence (129)
Total prison population decreasing from March 2020 but beginning overall rise from June 2020.

Remand populations decreasing from March 2020 but untried population rising substantially from May 2020.

Contact

Email: Justice_Analysts@gov.scot

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