Strategic Stakeholder Feedback

The Authority, in collaboration with Police Scotland, sought feedback from key stakeholders in developing the draft strategic police plan for wider public, community and partnership engagement.

A summary of the review work undertaken was shared with strategic stakeholders, including Scottish Government, HMICS and Local Authorities. A total of 13 responses were received, which were supportive of the overall direction with some specific suggestions reflected in the consultation draft.

Many stakeholders supported additional emphasis in relation to: tackling cyber-/online criminality (including sexual and hate crime); pursuing public health preventative approaches; strengthening the partnership response to mental health and vulnerability, including person-centred, trauma-informed approaches; embracing new technologies to widen access and participation from communities; tackling violence against women and girls and promoting positive workplace behaviours and culture; and emphasising rights-based, ethical and inclusive policing practices.

Several stakeholders also commented that greater emphasis would be welcomed in relation to: acknowledging and addressing the effect of the current cost-of-living crisis affecting many sections of society and some communities more severely; responding, through collaboration and efficiency measures, to the expected constraints on future public spending; improving the availability and speed of public contact channels, primarily 101; recognising the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on young people and their mental health.

The draft Joint Strategy for Policing 2023-26 presented in February reflected feedback received from stakeholders during the initial strategic stakeholder engagement exercise. Additional consideration of this feedback will inform planning in the key areas referenced.