The policing of a protest in Pollockshields on 13 May and a mass gathering in Glasgow City Centre on 16 May has been the subject of significant discussion at a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority today (Wednesday 26 May).
Police Scotland's Chief Constable Iain Livingstone outlined for Authority members the issues and challenges facing officers at each of the incidents. Both incidents have been subject to considerable comment in the media since.
The Chief Constable's written report to the Authority detailed the policing response to both incidents. Mr Livingstone said the policing approach to both incidents had been "professional and proportionate" with actions taken to protect the safety, public health and wellbeing of all involved.
The Chief Constable also reported that his officers would not discriminate between gatherings and stated that the operational independence of the office of Chief Constable was a key principle in a democratic society. He also confirmed there was "no undue political influence" on him in relation to the release of the two men who were being detained by immigration officials in Pollokshields.
Members of the Authority also considered a letter in relation to the two incidents in Glasgow, from John Scott QC, Chair of the Independent Advisory Group set up to review Police Scotland's use of new temporary police powers related to coronavirus. In his letter, Mr Scott, confirmed the "view that the overall approach to the policing of these events in Glasgow in May 2021 was informed by, and consistent with, relevant human rights principles and considerations, in particular, lawfulness, necessity and proportionality."
Speaking at the meeting, the Authority's Chair Martyn Evans said:
"The independence of the office of the Chief Constable and the independence of every one of his constables is the cornerstone of policing in a democracy. Scottish civil and civic society has to actively promote and jealously guard that independence. Above all, this Authority has to do that.
"Independence does not mean autonomy. Police Scotland is held to account in multiple ways. The checks and balances in the system are more extensive, more rigorous and more willingly entered into that anywhere else in the UK. Reflecting on John Scott QC's comments that operational independence may be an important anchor in a period of increasing identity politics and Scotland's unsettled identity politics.
"We are rightly reminded by the Chief Constable today that he and his service are champions of all our human rights. Human rights are not awarded on the basis of popularity or populism. Human rights are not there to be selected and deselected according to the preference of the observer. The view of the IAG is there was no evidence of bias in operational decisions in Glasgow and policing was informed by and consistent with human rights principles. That should be repeated loud and clear by all those with an interest in a fair and open society. Having a Chief Constable who is an explicit and proud human rights champion of all of us is a great credit to Scotland and policing here."
The Authority's meeting and discussion can be watched again in full at the following link: SPA Meeting - Wednesday 26 May 2021
Article initially published 26 May 2021