Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services Data Report - March 2021

Monthly data report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the justice system in Scotland, including information from Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, and Scottish Prison Service.


Prison population

While the total prison population has fallen slightly with reduced court business, the number of people held on remand remains at a historic high level.

In March 2021 (up until the morning of 1st April):

  • the population increased by 44 to 7,385
  • 1,951 were on remand: 1,680 (23%) untried & 271 (4%) awaiting sentence
  • 65% of arrivals in March were untried (646 of 991), and 19% awaiting sentence (187)
Chart: Total prison population
Total prison population decreasing from March 2020 but beginning overall rise from June to October 2020 where it plateaus around 7,400.
Chart: Remand population
Remand populations decreasing from March 2020 but untried population rising substantially from May 2020 to a plateau in October around 1,700.

Contact

Email: Justice_Analysts@gov.scot

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