Report Summary
This report summarises the key findings of the evaluation of new policing initiatives in Letham as part of the final phase of the SPA and Police Scotland's Community Confidence Action Research Project in Letham.
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Conversations with Community Representatives
From July to early September 2023, SPA staff had conversations with representatives from community groups in person, via email, or on MS Teams to gather feedback on the project. In total we spoke with four representatives from four different community groups.
Overall, the project was received positively and summarised feedback includes:
It was noted by one that the project allowed a greater understanding of policing and the structures within it.
The community officers were viewed positively, however, we received feedback on them being pulled away for response which was felt to reduce the benefit (e.g. unable to attend meetings, events etc.). The PPCW outreach officer was also viewed as an asset.
There was concern about the community officers being a short-term trial that ends and a noted lack of clarity on whether tests could be kept in place post project. It was also queried whether commitments would be delivered the way they had been intended.
Greater communication to the community was suggested (both from local policing and on the outcomes of the project). One noted information on how surveys are acted upon would help communities know they are being listened to. Another noted communication on what happens when 999/101 is called and the decision process that leads to deployment/lack of deployment would be helpful – noting confidence levels can be impacted by perceived inaction.
Hot desks in local community venues were also suggested as a way to foster community relationships.
Regarding some of the low numbers regarding attendance at events, surveys etc. it was noted this was also an issue for local organisations and not unique to this project.
