Item 5

DEPUTY CHIEF CONSTABLE DESIGNATE’S REPORT

DCCDTaylor provided a detailed summary of her report, specifically drawing attention to the following areas:

• Serious violence including homicide
• Serious and organised crime
• Violence against women and girls
• Policing of events
• Policing communities
• Ultra-low emission blue light fleet
• National Memorial Arboretum
• Passing out parade

In addition to the written report, DCCDTaylor provided comment on a number of other areas:

• Sir Iain Livingstone was congratulated on his retirement, and it was confirmed Chief Constable Jo Farrell will join Police Scotland on 9 October. DCCDTaylor confirmed she will carry out the duties of Chief Constable in the interim.
• The digital strategy was referenced, noting the importance of improving technology to help modernise the force and criminal justice system. Engagement with partners and the public will continue, along with support and scrutiny from the SPA, to ensure any concerns are addressed and new technologies align with Police Scotland values.

In discussion the following matters were raised:

• The Chair congratulated Police Scotland on its policing of the cycling championships and royal week, whilst maintaining business as usual.
• Members sought more detail on the impact of the 999 call handling interruption, which occurred in June 2023. DCCDTaylor confirmed the impact was UK wide, BT call handling had phoned everyone back and anything not resolved was passed to Police Scotland. Thrive assessments were carried out on each call, and quality assurance staff carried out an overview. Members were assured there was no remaining risk to those who called. Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham (DCCGraham) added that there had been a 25% increase in calls during Quarter 1 therefore resource has been increased. Levels of performance have remained good, with 999 response times remaining at 11 seconds on average. However, the average response time for 101 calls has increased to 7 minutes which is a consequence of prioritising demand to 999. DCCGraham highlighted satisfaction levels remain high.
• Members sought detail on Police Scotland’s approach to data security including DESC. DCCDTaylor responded that FOI processes are being reviewed to ensure compliance levels remain high. Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs (T/DCCSpeirs) added robust industry standard accreditation is in place. The publication scheme has been removed online, not due to concern, but to review the format to ensure it is accessible and aligned with legislation. Regarding the DESC pilot, T/DCCSpeirs noted work continues to review risk mitigation to ensure compliance with security and data protection policies, and Police Scotland are meeting with ICO to receive definitive advice on these areas. The pilot has been extended to allow additional functionality and progress is reported to the Data Governance Board. Members heard the main aim of DESC was to improve data sharing within the criminal justice system and the benefit for Police Scotland is early resolution and reduction of court attendance by Officers. The Chair confirmed that the focus of the Authority on DESC was compliance.
• Members sought comment on the work to deter serious and organised crime, and how the most vulnerable are protected. DCCDTaylor responded that it was important to identify and protect vulnerable people by prioritising resource to where harm is greatest. Operational work helps to identify and target organised criminality, helped by continued work on county lines and through the digital space. Using Operation Escalade as an example, Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors (DCCConnors) provided an overview of police activity undertaken to detect and disrupt criminal gangs. Members heard Police Scotland still focus on engaging with communities to gather information and manage intelligence. Members were assured Police Scotland have structures in place to prioritise and manage harm and threat from organised crime.
• Member sought assurance that resilience and infrastructure for the electric fleet is sufficient. DCCDTaylor responded that availability and age of vehicles is important for community officers to respond, and roll out was determined by infrastructure. James Gray (JGray) acknowledged the strategy was ambitious but emphasised roll out was based on appropriate infrastructure. Members heard the internal measure was to have one charging post per three vehicles and by end of 2023 there would be 500 in 61 sites. Work continues with local leaders to share infrastructure, and Members heard whilst there was no standard for UK policing, there are local agreements in place where Police Scotland vehicles get priority. JGray emphasised that electric vehicles are only used in non-response roles.
• Noting that figures for 2022 show an increase in road deaths and a high number of motor cyclists, Members questioned what Police Scotland’s response would be. DCCDTaylor responded that Police Scotland’s aim was to remain in the prevention space and work with partners continues. Members were assured that every incident was thoroughly investigated, and road policing remains a priority. Members heard that data collated by Police Scotland and partners helps inform what areas should be targeted, and DCCConnors summarised some of the recent targeted campaigns.
• Members sought detail on Police Scotland’s oversight of officer discretion in relation to violence against and women and girls. DCCDTaylor responded that discretion is key to maintaining confidence and policing with consent. Members heard training was key, as well as the opportunity to review and debrief to ensure correct decisions are made and lessons learned are fed back. Members were told one area being explored in more detail is where direct measures can be applied by policing as opposed to prosecution but this was limited. Members were told Police Scotland do not have data on discretion used on violence against women and girls as opposed to violence against men. The Chair noted that whilst Police Scotland are looking at proportionate response to these issues, the Board need to be reassured that the responses are effective and are aligned to policies and values. The Chair noted this would be discussed through internal forums.

The Authority RESOLVED to:

• NOTE the report.