Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services Data Report - July 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 lockdown. Numbers increased to pre-pandemic levels before a substantial decrease in February 2021. Reports in March recovered to just under pre-pandemic levels and remain below pre-pandemic levels.
  • Custody report numbers are consistently around two-thirds of 19-20 average levels.
  • Undertaking report numbers remain consistently around 50% higher than 2019-20 levels 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 July 2021, dashed line 19-20 average)
Line graph showing the total number of reports received by COPFS
 
Chart: Custody reports received by COPFS (bars – monthly count April 2020 to July 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 July 2021, dashed line 19-20 average)
Bar chart showing undertaking reports received by COPFS

Contact

Email: Justice_Analysts@gov.scot

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