Comparison of Single and Repeat FPN Recipients

Just over one in ten FPN recipients were fined more than once, but repeat offences became less common as time went on during the first lockdown.

There was no significant difference in the profile of single and repeat FPN recipients according to sex, ethnicity or country of origin; however, people receiving two or more FPNs were older, on average, than single recipients. 

Around half of all single and repeat FPN recipients were living in the top 20% deprived neighbourhoods of Scotland, but living in a deprived community did not increase the likelihood of receiving more than one FPN. 

Most people who received an FPN for breaching the Coronavirus Regulations already had a criminal record prior to the pandemic; however, repeat FPN recipients were significantly more likely than single recipients to be already known to the police.  As shown in the figure below, repeat FPN recipients were less likely to be recorded on the criminal history system for the first time in 2020 and more likely to have been first recorded over 20 years ago.

A better understanding of the characteristics, behaviours and experiences of people with a criminal record in Scotland may help to explore barriers to compliance and identify better ways of ensuring compliance with future public health restrictions.