CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT

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

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members sought comment on the strategic approach to tackling drug use. CCFarrell responded that the Scottish Crime Campus (SCC) was a strategic resource deployed across the country with links beyond Scotland’s boundaries to react to intelligence. Key to that national partnership work is intelligence generated at community policing level. CCFarrell confirmed a robust approach is taken on those who are dealing drugs but there are opportunities to identify those using them and to put them in touch with other organisations who can support. DCC Bex Smith (DCCSmith) also referenced the work of the Scottish Government Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and ongoing work with partners to establish priorities for tackling drugs.
• Members heard the SCC is unique in bringing together key law enforcement and partners to allow easy exchange of information and intelligence by pooling expertise and resource together. CCFarrell confirmed the future ambition is to move from a partnership approach to a fully integrated approach.
• Members questioned how Police Scotland are encouraging adoption of the Cyber Alarms digital tool. CCFarrell explained the cyber alarms tool allowed businesses to use technology for early identification of potential cyber-attacks. Members heard Police Scotland had a range of partners who educate businesses on the technology and highlight the benefits.
• Members sought more comment on partnership work to improve road safety. DCCConnors provided some examples of awareness initiatives provided with partners, including: the older drivers programme, rider refinement programme and changes to fixed penalty notice charges.
• Members sought assurance that Police Scotland have resources in place to deal with any threat from far-right extremism. CCFarrell explained that following the murders in Southport, Police Scotland mobilised a visible police response in anticipation of any disorder. CCFarrell assured Members that the service continually monitors far-right activity, collates intelligence and assures communities. In recent weeks, Police Scotland has been pro-active in calling out misinformation on social media.
• Members were assured that policies will be reviewed in response to the United Nations Convention on Human Rights for Children, and any change in policy will include looking at impacts on protected characteristics.
• Members were informed that officer numbers will be at the optimum level of between 16500 and 16600 by the end of 2024 or start of 2025. An exact date is hard to determine due to fluctuations in retirements and resignations. Monthly number will be reported to the Scottish Government. CCFarrell added that recruitment campaigns are taking place across the country and more probationers will be recruited this year than any other.
• Members sought comment on the use of facial recognition in prevention and early detection of perpetrators. DCCSmith confirmed Police Scotland are supportive of facial recognition but believe it has to be carefully considered in terms of consultation and ethics. Members heard Police Scotland have met with the Chief Scientific Advisor to understand what technology is being implemented across other UK forces and the next step is to learn from their implementation.

Members noted the report