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 organised crime
• Naloxone
• Pay Awards for Officers and Staff
• Recruitment

In addition to the written report, DCCDTaylor provided comment on a number of other areas:
• DCCDTaylor commented on the increasingly complex demand and noted sexual offending and cyber enabled crime had increased from pre-pandemic levels. Recent and upcoming legislative changes have also brought significant implications in terms of training, implementation and enforcement, and pressure across public services has led to an increase in public contacts with Police Scotland.
• DCCDTaylor stated that the revenue budget represented real terms cut which has not allowed policing to maintain the workforce and make pay awards. Therefore, officer numbers have reduced, and police staff costs are being reduced proportionately. Several ways savings are being made were outlined, such as pausing staff recruitment (except business-critical areas), managing overtime spend, and reviewing Senior Officer command structures and support services.
• DCCDTaylor confirmed the Northeast Policing Pilot will be fully evaluated, with feedback welcomed from communities and partners.
• DCCDTaylor confirmed proposals to accelerate disposals of 30 police buildings were presented to the Resources Committee and detailed plans for that work are now developing. DCCDTaylor highlighted that consolidating the estate has led to over 60 co-locations with partners which is more sustainable.
• DCCDTaylor confirmed Police Scotland are determined to deliver a balanced budget in 2023-24 and are focused on driving organisational efficiency in order to protect service delivery. However, levels of service provided to the public relating to some issues will reduce as a result.
In discussion the following matters were raised:
• The Chair congratulated Police Scotland for their achievements in the use of Naloxone, noting it was a good example of how new technology is introduced.
• The Chair requested a future discussion on recorded police warnings and asked that consideration be given to a joint publication and joint seminar to discuss public policy issues.
• Noting Police Scotland were represented at the Terrorism Conference in Washington, DCC Malcolm Graham (DCCGraham) referenced the work of the International Development and Innovation Unit which is funded through the Commonwealth Office and the Scottish Government. DCCGraham commented how international work was an important part of the force’s responsibility, which brought the opportunity to develop leadership and relationship building.
• In response to current issues face by firearm officers in the MET, Members questioned how morale was within Police Scotland’s firearms team. DCCDTaylor commended those who volunteer to take on firearm responsibilities and risk, highlighting they are highly trained and are supported by senior leaders in Police Scotland. DCC Jane Connors (DCCConnors) advised that morale is good but there is ongoing concern of the situation within the MET. Members were advised Police Scotland are fully sighted on the issue within the MET as there is representation on all MET gold groups. Mutual aid is being supplied by forces throughout the UK, but more so by forces nearer London.
• Members raised concern on the lack of articulation of prioritisation, and questioned why the current narrative was there are insufficient funds when it was agreed the budget could be managed in March 2023. DCCDTaylor complimented the Chief Financial Officer’s portfolio for being robust and challenging in the financial circumstances, and informed Members work to drive efficiencies within corporate support will begin imminently under the Policing our Communities programme. Some areas of transformational change will also be accelerated. Recognising there was an increased demand on policing, the organisation is looking to respond in a more efficient way and work continues to ascertain how prioritisation will look. DCC Malcom Graham (DCCGraham) added that he understood the importance of bringing the budget back in line and why there is an appetite to see prioritisation. DCCGraham noted that the risks flagged when the budget was agreed have now materialised which has changed the environment. Members were informed officer numbers were below 17k when the budget was announced which has tightened timescales for decision making. DCCGraham stated that organisation will be in a better position for looking at scenarios for next year. Changes to Road Policing, preserving 999 service performance, and the Northeast Policing Pilot are measures which demonstrate strategic intent on focusing on high-risk areas. Greater detail will come through higher level strategic work, but some detail will not be specific due to the complexity of service. Members heard more detail can be provided once prioritisation decisions have been.
• Members raised concern that savings made in the next six months would not be long term. DCCDTaylor responded that most of the strategic activity will drive long term benefits, but short-term responses would be around overtime reduction and reevaluating fixed term contracts in areas that sit out with prioritisation areas. DCO David Page (DCOPage) added that if decisions made do not have the required effect, short term contributions will be required. DCOPage stated that reviews of the non-pay budget and reform budget have been taken and provided examples of changes to both. Members heard a review of the transformation programme will also be undertaken but received assurance that Body Worn Video, DESC and other core programmes would be protected.
• Members observed that the impact of budget constraints should be communicated to partners as soon as possible as in many areas there is a joined-up approach.
• Members were assured it was Police Scotland’s intention to balance the budget by the end of the financial year.
• Members sought information on what steps are being taken to maintain detection rates and understand demand. DCCDTaylor responded that officer number reductions have had an impact on detection rates. Working with partner organisations and making reasonable asks has reduced demand however Police Scotland will continue to respond to mental health and wellbeing calls. DCCConnors commented that increased complexity of demand requires a proportionate response, which the Northeast Policing Pilot is aiming towards.
• Members sought and received assurance that lessons learned from the Northeast Policing Pilot will be incorporated into the pilot evaluation. DCCDTaylor stated that engagement with local communities will also be included in the evaluation and all feedback will contribute to the decision of whether to roll it out further.
• Members were provided examples of some of the preventative work ongoing such as road safety awareness. Work is ongoing on the strategic approach to community well-being to help inform and decrease demand in the area.
• The Chair noted that when the budget was set, both the Authority and the Police Scotland Executive Team acknowledged that service prioritisation would be inevitable. At the same time Police Scotland’s Executive Team committed that the budget would be balance whilst continuing to police safely and effectively. The Chair reiterated the recent reporting to the Resources Committee and emphasised that the Authority has been clear that urgent and effective action is required to balance the budget. The Chair noted the Authority were disappointed with the speed so far to manage the budget and introduce mitigations, therefore clear metrics for decisions and increased reporting on planned mitigations were required.

The Authority RESOLVED to:
• NOTE the report.
• AGREE the below action:
Joint publication and joint seminar to be arranged to discuss public policy issues relating to recorded police warnings.
20230928-BM-001