CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT

Members considered the report which provided detail relating to the Police Service, policing, and the state of crime. Chief Constable Jo Farrell (CCFarrell) provided an overview of the points noted within the executive summary of her report.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members referred to the Glasgow football disorder in December 2024 and sought assurance that lessons learned are incorporated into future planning. DCC Jane Connors (DCCConnors) commented that policing football is challenging as there are prevalent risk groups across Scotland. Disorder includes pyrotechnics and pre-arranged violence and those involved have no regard for the local community or reputation for football. DCCConnors confirmed there was a policing plan including public order and preventative action in place and resources were sent quickly to bring disorder under control. DCCConnors assured Members that Police Scotland monitor intelligence and work with football clubs to gather information and establish deterrents. Members were told of various partnership initiatives to address the issue, such as a multi-agency group to look at football banning orders and current legislation; a specific group to deal with pyrotechnics and work with the judiciary sector. DCCConnors assured Members that intelligence gathering is maximised.
• Members sought comment on what the implications for delivering the three-year plan would be, should funding for 2025/26 be less than anticipated. CCFarrell confirmed that additional employee national insurance costs could impact the progress of the next phase of police reform. Discussions with Scottish Government have indicated that Police Scotland will be supported with 50% of costs. CCFarrell highlighted that Police Scotland have undertaken significant reform and policing in Scotland has removed £200m of costs on an annual recurring basis. She confirmed that delivering a balanced budget is a priority. CCFarrell further commented that the 2025/36 budget is challenging and requires £9m of efficiencies to be made. Members were advised there would be a probationer recruitment intake in March but recruitment for the rest of the year would be reviewed. CCFarrell outlined some of the areas Police Scotland will be focussed on during the next financial year, including developing a community policy model, establishing a new cybercrime and fraud command, further investment in technology, modernising the workforce, and delivering a safe and secure Commonwealth Games.
• Members sought further information on implementation of mental health work. DCC Alan Speirs (DCCSpeirs) commented on the introduction of the mental health taskforce and highlighted the reliance on collaboration from partners. DCCSpeirs also confirmed the Mental Health Index was now rolled out across the service and there was 24/7 access to mental health clinicians. DCCSpeirs assured Members progress was being made and there was positive commitment from partners.
• Members requested further comment on progress of the Policing Together Strategy. DCCSpeirs summarised progress made since the last Authority meeting including recruitment of community relationship specialists, introducing an Independent Advisory Council, rolling out further training on anti-racism, and embedding a fair play advisor. Members also heard a culture dashboard would be available from April and will be reported to the Policing Together Oversight Group. CCFarrell added that she felt there was momentum in the area and spoke of how other UK forces are looking to Police Scotland for support and advice.
• Referring to Operation Moonbeam, Members asked what further actions the legislation allows. DCCConnors commended the officers who worked as part of Operation Moonbeam, confirming there were 61 arrests, mostly in the East of Scotland. DCCConnors highlighted the new legislation regarding proxy purchasing of fireworks, firework control zones and dispersal zones. DCCConnors confirmed Police Scotland support Scottish Fire and Rescue Service view that fireworks should be for organised events and legislation should cover preventing the sale for intended disorder.
• Members congratulated those who had been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours.
• Members sought comment on how animal welfare is managed within the organisation. DCCConnors highlighted that police dogs and horses are part of the policing family and the organisation was committed to their welfare. DCCConnors listed some of the standards Police Scotland work under: National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) police dog welfare standards, National Canine Accreditation Scheme, Police Scotland Mounted Unit Guidance and the NPCC mounted police guidance. Members heard there was veterinary access 24/7 and were assured all decisions are based on the welfare and quality of life of the animals. DCCConnors also confirmed there was support available to dog handlers and mounted branch colleagues.
• Regarding the information provided in the report on child sexual exploitation offences, Members sought information on lessons learned and how they will be applied. DCCConnors advised Police Scotland have undertaken benchmarking to compare finding from a number of reports including the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and have shared findings and lessons learned with other forces. DCCConnors advised that having one vulnerability database and a single intelligence database has meant Police Scotland’s child protection policies mirror recommendations from the IICSA. Members heard there was a dedicated specialist resource in each division plus a unit dedicated to online child sexual abuse and exploitation. DCCConnors confirmed progress by Police Scotland to tackle child exploitation is advanced but continual focus is required.
• Members asked CCFarrell to outline the rationale to raise a judicial review against Scottish Ministers for the Sheku Bayoh enquiry. DCCSpeirs confirmed Police Scotland still recognise the impact that Mr Bayohs death has had on his friends and family, and reiterated Police Scotland’s commitment to engage with the Public Enquiry. DCCSpeirs advised there was a request in September 2024 to extend the enquiry Terms of Reference and Police Scotland were asked to submit submissions on the extension, but they had been declined access to all the information. This has since been rectified and a full position has been submitted, with a response due from the Deputy First Minister in the near future.

Members noted the report.