Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: December 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
Infographic text below:
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:
- 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:
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.
Report marked by COPFS
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)
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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