Introduction

What is horizon scanning?

The Scottish Police Authority (‘The Authority’) regularly reviews a range of sources (including news briefings, research and reports) to identify emerging areas of interest that could impact policing and the wider justice sector. This is known as ‘horizon scanning’ and is a process used by many organisations in the early discovery of emergent issues.

This review process is used to form our ‘knowledge bank’, where issues related to the current and future work of the Authority can be identified. Topics are analysed in more depth within regular horizon scan reports, with potential implications for policing and the wider sector drawn out.

It must be emphasised that these reports are speculative in nature and any implications are derived following analysis of evidence by Authority Staff. Readers are encouraged to access referenced sources using the hyperlinks embedded throughout this report. Please note that the viewpoints included in this report do not necessarily reflect those of the Authority.

The report will continue to evolve with time and following feedback from recipients.
Please direct any feedback or responses to: SPAStrategyandPerformance@spa.police.uk