Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services Data Report - March 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.


Incidents recorded

Weekly incident numbers have been above 2019-20 levels in recent weeks. It should be noted that coronavirus restrictions were introduced in March 2020.

In March 2021, incident numbers were trending above levels for the preceding year for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

Scotland entered Phase 2 of its route map on 28th May 2020. There was an increase in incidents during that week (w/e Sunday 31st May). However, incident numbers remained below 2019-20 levels in the weeks that folllowed, and declined from November onwards. Scotland entered a new period of lockdown on 5th January 2021. Since then, incidents have remained comparatively low, although there is evidence of an increasing trend since mid-January. This month's data also includes some of the Easter weekend (2nd – 5th April).

Chart: Number of incidents (2019-20 dashed line, 2020-21 solid line)
Line graph showing incidents recorded by Police Scotland in 2020-21 have generally been trending below last year’s levels, however in recent weeks in March 2021 have been above levels for the preceding year.

In the week ending 4th April:

30,775 incidents recorded - Up 14% compared to an equivalent week in 2020 (26,939 incidents)

Further information:

A full breakdown of calls & incident volumes is available online

Contact

Email: Justice_Analysts@gov.scot

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