Project Outline for 2023 and 2024

The research project is expected to conclude in March 2024. A number of publications will be produced and shared with partners and those involved in the research activities: (a) location-specific evaluations (b) an overall evaluation and (c) a practitioner toolkit.

At present, fieldwork is active in three localities. In Letham, Perth, the fieldwork is at an advanced stage, with community engagement, survey research, and an environmental visual audit having been completed.  Initial research findings for Letham were published in December 2022, and these were used to shape a recent Community Conversation event in Letham, led jointly by the Authority, the Local Policing team and the Partnerships, Prevention and Community Wellbeing Division of Police Scotland.  Themes arising include: a desire for greater police visibility; a desire to improve awareness of what modern policing involves on a daily basis, including safeguarding, public protection and other less visible activities; greater opportunities for the local community and the local police to interact with one another.  A second community event is being planned for later in March, where the Local Policing team will outline proposed ‘tests of change’ based on all of the findings and available intelligence.  These ‘tests of change’ are expected to be implemented in 2023.

Fieldwork has also commenced in Fullarton and Levenmouth, with initial community engagement activity undertaken, and surveys issued. It is expected that the fieldwork will progress to community conversations and proposals around ‘tests of change’ by the early summer.

Fieldwork in the fourth proposed location – Wick – is planned to start at the end of March 2023.