Motions, questions and answers

The following table sets out the number of charges of culpable and reckless conduct at common law reported by Police Scotland to COPFS in the calendar years 2018, 2019 and 2020. It should be noted that a single charge which is reported to COPFS may relate to a number of different incidents which have occurred.
The following table also sets out the outcomes for the charges reported to COPFS in the calendar years requested. When a charge is reported to COPFS, prosecutors will decide whether there is sufficient evidence in law, and, if so, whether it would be in the public interest to take prosecutorial action in relation to the charge. Where it is decided that prosecutorial action would be appropriate, the prosecutor will select the appropriate action, which may be the initiation of proceedings in court, or an alternative to prosecution (including warning letters, fiscal fines, fiscal compensation orders, referral to the Children’s Report and diversion).
There are a number of cases awaiting a decision, including those where further information has been requested.
Calendar Year Reported
2018
2019
2020

Total Charges Reported
1,070
1,040
1,681

No Action
163
74
83
Alternative to Prosecution
109
76
108
Proceeded in Court
591
647
897
Not Separately Actioned
172
185
203
No Decision
35
58
390
“Not Separately Actioned” relates to charges that were not actioned (either through prosecution or an alternative to prosecution) but where other charges for the same accused within the same case were actioned. Those other charges which were actioned may have included details from the charges which were not actioned.
The information provided is taken from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service live operational database. The information provided may therefore be subject to change as the Service’s systems are updated.