Justice and safer communities statistics: monthly data report summary - October 2024

How crime flows through the Justice System

1. Incident reported

2. Crime classified and suspect charged.

a. Incident is reviewed by Police to determine if it is a crime. If a crime, Police charge suspect (where possible) and issue:

i. Fixed Penalty Notice or Recorded Police Warning,

ii. a report to COPFS, or

iii. decide on no further action.

3. Police report the case to COPFS

a. The accused will be:

i. Kept in custody - Case called the next court day.

ii. Released on an Undertaking - accused told when to appear and may have bail conditions.

iii. At liberty - if prosecuted, the accused will receive a citation stating the charge and when to appear.

4. Report marked by COPFS

a. Prosecutor decides if accused is prosecuted:

i. No action - e.g. not enough evidence.

ii. Direct Measure - an alternative to prosecution, e.g. Fiscal Fine or warning letter.

iii. Summary prosecution - JP or Sheriff Court (no jury)

iv. Solemn prosecution - Sheriff or High Court (with jury)

5. Case heard and court outcomes

a. If the accused is found guilty in court, or tendered a guilty plea, then they can be given:

i. Custodial Sentence

ii. Community Sentence

iii. Monetary Penalty

iv. Admonished/Dismissed

v. ‘Other’ disposal