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.


Summary of COPFS First Substantive Markings

There are 3 types of marking decision available to COPFS:

  • No Action
  • Direct Measures
  • Court proceedings

Following an increase in all marking types in January 2021, numbers of markings subsequently decreased. Markings for No Action remain below pre-pandemic levels, marking for Direct Measures have decreased and they are under pre-pandemic levels and markings for court remain well below pre-pandemic levels.

 
Chart: First Substantive Marking (bars – monthly count April 2020 to July 2021, dashed lines 19-20 average)
Bar graph showing the number of First Substantive Marking

Subjects marked for Direct Measure

Direct measure or alternatives to court include diversion, fiscal fines, fixed penalties, community and work orders. Fiscal fine limits were increased as part of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020.

In January 2021, for the first time in 2020-21, the numbers of subjects receiving a Fiscal Fine increased to above 19-20 average levels (dotted lines). Numbers reached a low in April 2021 before appearing to rebound until another fall in July. They remain well below pre-pandemic levels.

The number of subjects given Fiscal fixed penalties increased from May 2020, and have remained above 19-20 average levels since that time.

 
Chart: Subjects marked for direct measures (bars – monthly count April 2020 to July 2021, dashed lines 19-20 average)
Bar graph showing the number of subjects marked for non-court disposals by COPFS

Contact

Email: Justice_Analysts@gov.scot

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