During 2022 the Scottish Police Authority and COSLA worked in partnership with local government representatives to develop new guidance for Elected Members to support their scrutiny of local police planning.  The work was undertaken following a tripartite review of local police plans during 2021-22, sponsored by the Authority, COSLA and Police Scotland.

The framework for scrutiny was endorsed in December at the COSLA Police Scrutiny Conveners’ Forum, which represents scrutiny arrangements for all 32 Local Authority areas.  

We are grateful to colleagues across the wider policing and public service system who gave their time at various stages to help develop the framework, namely Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Improvement Service and Scottish Government’s Police Division.

The Authority and COSLA are seeking ongoing feedback from Elected Members and officials in local authorities on their use of the framework during the current 2023-26 planning cycle.  This feedback will be used to enhance the guidance based on user experience.