Background

In January 2023 His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) commenced a thematic review of policing of mental health in Scotland publishing the review in October 2023.

HMICS outline in this report the need for Police Scotland to develop and implement its own Mental Health Strategy clearly articulating its role within a whole system partnership approach. The report very clearly identifies in recommendation 1 that Mental Health is a cross sector issue that requires a full system response to ensure the best possible service and support to the community.

HMICS outlines within this report the importance of a whole system review which is complex and far-reaching, requiring political and institutional will and support, thus organisations such as Police Scotland must ensure they provide the best possible support to the public in the short term, within the current system. Police Scotland should act on the recommendations in the report, not awaiting the conclusion of Scottish Government whole system review, and thereafter continue to ensure that post whole system review their Mental Health strategy is aligned reflecting change. This will ensure that the Police Scotland role within the whole system is clearly defined and relationships with partners is understood.

The report identified 14 recommendations of which 13 are specifically for Police Scotland and recommendation 1 is for Scottish Government.

Assistant Chief Constable for Policing Together will oversee the delivery of the improvement plan in response to the HMICS review. The Improvement Plan is in respect of Police Scotland recommendations only. Interdependencies run throughout all recommendations and Police Scotland will work with SPA and partners to implement the required improvements.

The recommendations and areas for development from the HMICS review are detailed in APPENDIX A - Mental Health Improvement Plan.