Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report- October 2021

This pack provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the Justice system during October 2021.

Data has been gathered from a number of different sources and may be subject to future revision.


First substantive marking

When COPFS receive a report that someone has committed a crime the prosecutor must decide whether and what action to take. This is recorded on the case as a "marking". If a decision cannot be taken immediately, an interim marking may be recorded. When a substantive decision is reached a First Substantive Marking (FSM) is recorded, to indicate how the prosecutor has decided to proceed.

The number of accused given a FSM by COPFS remains below pre-pandemic levels. The number of reports awaiting marking has been increasing in recent months and sits above 19-20 average levels. The number of reports with an interim marking has been above 19-20 average levels throughout 2020 and into 2021.

Chart: Marking status of COPFS reports (bars – monthly count April 2020 to October 2021, dashed lines 19-20 average)
Bar chart showing marking status of COPFS reports by month, April 2020-October 2021.

Contact

Email: JusticeAnalysts@gov.scot

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