Chief Constable's Report

CCFarrell provided a detailed summary of her report, specifically drawing attention to the following areas:
• Homicides
• Response to drugs
• Operation Moonbeam
• Storm Babet
• Operation Tarlac
• People and wellbeing

In addition to the written report, CCFarrell provided comment on a number of other areas:
• Since taking up post she had met with officers and staff and was impressed by their passion and commitment. CCFarrell had also met with key partners and noted the high regard for policing in Scotland.
• CCFarrell apologised unreservedly for an error of judgement made during Storm Babet.
• Operational focus was in three areas: addressing threat, harm, and risk; prevention, problem solving and proactivity; and looking after the wellbeing of officers and staff so they can deliver for the public.
• A spend to save approach for the financial year 2024/25 is proposed, with an ask of £128m over and above flat cash including an uplift to provide appropriate capital funding. This will allow officer recruitment to restart; to fund the cost of the 2023/24 pay award of 7% for officers and staff and make a credible offer next year; to enable a programme of voluntary retirement and redundancy; and to develop a new operating model.
• Three areas where Police Scotland can work with partners to make improvements which can protect services under financial pressure are: infrastructure, criminal justice reform, and responding to mental health.
• Plans for the next phase of the Estate Strategy and proposals on the disposal of properties, along with crucial public consultation and engagement plans, are being finalised.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• The Chair noted that the Authority welcomed Police Scotland’s ambition for reform and change. The Chair accepted CCFarrell’s apology for her error of judgement and welcomed her repeating it publicly. The Chair confirmed the matter was raised on 22 October, facts gathered on 23 October, and he thereafter met CCFarrell on 24 October. The Chair noted CCFarrell did not seek to justify her decision and was unequivocal it was error of judgement. The Chair confirmed he was satisfied there was a swift and proportionate consideration of the matter and it had been dealt with appropriately.
• Members sought clarity on how Police Scotland was addressing assaults on officers. CCFarrell emphasised that Police Scotland condemns assaults on officers and staff. Data in relation to assaults has shown it has reduced compared to last year, however any assault was unacceptable. Members heard that the deployment of body worn video and taser use impacts positively on behaviour and can capture evidence of bad behaviours, therefore, consideration will be given to increasing the number of officers who carry tasers. TDCCSpeirs summarised other support mechanisms such as Your Safety Matters, staff association support and the Champions Network. The Chair confirmed the Authority has scrutinised the use of tasers heavily and have agreed to the use of this technology. If it can be demonstrated within the MOU that it is a proportionate response and is consistent with principles, the Authority will continue to be supportive.
• Members sought further comment on public order and heard Police Scotland continue to adopt a human rights approach to policing of protests. CCFarrell acknowledged it was a challenging area of policing, but Police Scotland’s response has been measured, and positive engagement has meant Scotland has not seen the same levels of violence as other areas in the UK. CCFarrell confirmed that the increase in deployments and moving officers has had an impact on resource and DCC Jane Connors (DCCConnors) confirmed 20 arrests had been made at protests regarding the Israel/Gaza conflict. The Chair noted public engagement sessions before COP26 were well received and requested Police Scotland consider re-running these sessions to ensure partners are aware of the intensity of public order training and the human rights approach.
• Members sought more comment on strengthening the local policing model. CCFarrell commented that the £128m spend proposed provides the opportunity to reform front line policing whilst continuing to operate in a pro-active way. Advancements in technologies within local policing would allow efficiencies to be made whilst maintaining community-based policing. Members heard organisational redesign would be informed by establishing demand evidence, engaging with key stakeholders, and maximising the use of technologies.
• Members questioned what was being done to support wellbeing and any undue pressure on the workforce. CCFarrell confirmed the Executive team recognised the pressures on staff and their impact on wellbeing, and priority support would be given to community officers and staff. In addition, work continues to empower first and second line managers to take responsibility and make decisions to better support their ways of working.
• Members sought information on the role of research in addressing issues such as violence against women and girls and heard Police Scotland want to progress and grasp opportunities to allow local innovation.
• Members sought comment on the role of the third sector in dealing with mental health concerns. DCC Malcolm Graham commented work continues to ascertain roles and responsibilities from all partners and the need for clarity was gaining momentum following reports from the Auditor General and HMICS. Police Scotland will work to address recommendations from these national reports and outcomes will be reported to the Authority.
• The Chair requested updates on recommendations from the Local Policing Service Delivery Review be brought to the Authority at pace.

The Authority RESOLVED to:
• NOTE the report.
• AGREE the following action:
Report to be provided to the Authority outlining Local Policing Service Delivery Review recommendations.
20231130-BM-002