Summary of COPFS Race Crime Statistics 2003 - 2010
Summary of COPFS Race Crime Statistics 2003 - 2010
Summary of Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Race Crime Statistics
These Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) statistics provide a snap-shot of charges reported to Procurators Fiscal by police. The information is taken from police reports submitted to Procurators Fiscal throughout Scotland. It is worthwhile noting that the COPFS database is a live, operational database used to manage the processing of reports submitted to Procurators Fiscal by the police and other reporting agencies. The figures quoted relate to the number of charges rather than the number of individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges.
By race crime we mean any charge of racially aggravated harassment and behaviour in terms of Section 50A of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 or Section 18 of the Public Order Act 1980 (referred to as "Charge") or any racial aggravation in terms of Section 96 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (referred to as "Aggravation").
In the year 2009 - 2010, we received reports of 4314 charges of race crimes across the country.
- 62% of the charges related to racially aggravated harassment and behaviour
- 38% of the charges related to another offence with a racist aggravation
- Court proceedings were taken by the Procurator Fiscal in relation to 88% of the total charges
- A further 7% were dealt with by an alternative "Direct Measure", such as a warning, Fiscal Fine or Diversion Scheme or were referred to the Children's Reporter.
- The remaining 5% did not proceed or are awaiting a marking decision.
These figures show a steady number of charges reported to the Procurator Fiscal during the last four years. We cannot assume that these figures represent the actual levels of racist crime in Scotland.
The figures also show a continuing high percentage of cases where court proceedings were taken.
COPFS is committed to monitoring compliance with prosecution policy and the Lord Advocate's Guidelines on all hate crimes. Published surveysare available on this website.
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In the year 2008 - 2009, we received reports of 4319 charges of race crimes across the country.
- 64% of the charges related to racially aggravated harassment and behaviour
- 36% of charges related to another offence with a racist aggravation
- Court proceedings were taken by the Procurator Fiscal in relation to 88% of the total charges
- A further 6% were dealt with by an alternative "Direct Measure", such as a warning, Fiscal Fine or Diversion Scheme, or were referred to the Children's Reporter
- The remaining 6% either did not proceed or are awaiting a marking decision.
These figures show a steady number of charges reported to the Procurator Fiscal during the last three years. We cannot assume that these figures represent the actual levels of racist crime in Scotland.
The figures also show a continuing high percentage of cases where court proceedings were taken.
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In the year 2007-2008, we received reports of 4394 charges of race crimes across the country.
- 62% of the charges related to racially aggravated harassment and behaviour
- 38% of charges related to another offence with a racial aggravation
- Court proceedings were taken by the Procurator Fiscal in relation to 88% of the total charges
- A further 6% were dealt with by an alternative "Direct Measure", such as a warning, Fiscal Fine or Diversion Scheme, or were referred to the Children's Reporter
- The remaining 6% either did not proceed or are awaiting a marking decision.
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In the year 2006-2007, we received reports of 4367 charges of race crimes across the country.
· 63% of the charges related to racially aggravated harassment and behaviour
· 37% of charges related to another offence with a racial aggravation
· Court proceedings were taken by the Procurator Fiscal in 89% of the total charges.
· A further 7% were dealt with by an alternative "Direct Measure", such as a warning, Fiscal Fine or Diversion Scheme, or were referred to the Children's Reporter.
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In the year 2005-2006, we received reports of 4287 charges of race crimes across the country.
· 65% of the charges related to racially aggravated harassment and behaviour
· 35% of charges related to another offence with a racial aggravation
· Court proceedings were taken by the Procurator Fiscal in 86% of the total charges.
· A further 9% were dealt with by an alternative "Direct Measure", such as a warning, Fiscal Fine or Diversion Scheme, or were referred to the Children's Reporter.
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In the year 2004-2005, we received reports of 4,019 charges of race crimes across the country.
· 65% of the charges related to racially aggravated harassment and behaviour
· 35% of charges related to another offence with a racial aggravation
· Court proceedings were taken by the Procurator Fiscal in 85% of the total charges.
· A further 9% were dealt with by an alternative "Direct Measure", such as a warning, Fiscal Fine or Diversion Scheme, or were referred to the Children's Reporter.
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In the year 2003-2004, we received reports of 3322 charges of race crimes across the country.
· 70% of the charges related to racially aggravated harassment and behaviour
· 30% of charges related to another offence with a racial aggravation
· Court proceedings were taken by the Procurator Fiscal in 85% of the total charges.
· A further 9% were dealt with by an alternative "Direct Measure", such as a warning, Fiscal Fine or Diversion Scheme, or were referred to the Children's Reporter.
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Policy Division
September 2010