Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: January 2025

The diagram below illustrates how crime flows through the justice system. Below the diagram is a text version of this information held within it.

Text from Diagram:

The first arrow is the reporting of an incident.

The second arrow is crime classification and suspect charge. This is where the incident is reviewed by Police to determine if it is a crime. If a crime, Police charge suspect (where possible) and issue:

• Fixed Penalty Notice or Recorded Police Warning,
• a report to COPFS, or
• decide on no further action.

The third arrow is police report the case to COPFS. The accused will be:

1. Kept in custody - Case called the next court day.
2. Released on an Undertaking - accused told when to appear and may have bail conditions.
3. At liberty - if prosecuted, the accused will receive a citation stating the charge and when to appear.

The fourth arrow is report marked by COPFS. The prosecutor decides if accused is prosecuted:

1. No action - e.g. not enough evidence.
2. Direct Measure - an alternative to prosecution, e.g. Fiscal Fine or warning letter.
3. Summary prosecution - JP or Sheriff Court (no jury)
4. Solemn prosecution - Sheriff or High Court (with jury)

The final and fifth arrow is case heard and court outcomes. If the accused is found guilty in court, or tendered a guilty plea, then they can be given:

• Custodial Sentence
• Community Sentence
• Monetary Penalty
• Admonished/Dismissed
• ‘Other’ disposal