Publication - Statistics
Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : August 2024 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
How crime flows through the Justice System
Incident reported
Crime classified and suspect charged.
Incident is reviewed by Police to determine if it is a crime. If a crime, Police charge suspect (where possible) and issue:
- a fixed Penalty Notice or Recorded Police Warning,
- a report to COPFS, or
- decide on no further action.
Police report the case to COPFS
The accused will be:
- Kept in custody - Case called the next court day.
- Released on an Undertaking - accused told when to appear and may have bail conditions.
- At liberty - if prosecuted, the accused will receive a citation stating the charge and when to appear.
Report marked by COPFS
Prosecutor decides if accused is prosecuted:
- No action - e.g. not enough evidence.
- Direct Measure - an alternative to prosecution, e.g. Fiscal Fine or warning letter.
- Summary prosecution - JP or Sheriff Court (no jury)
- Solemn prosecution - Sheriff or High Court (with jury)
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
Contact
Email: justice_analysts@gov.scot
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