Background

In August 2022, activity commenced within the Contact Engagement & Resolution Project to progress work to develop a national Proportionate Response to Crime process. The Contact Engagement & Resolution Project is focused on improving standards of service through Police Scotland’s response to vulnerability, risk and public need at the earliest opportunity; maximising opportunities for remote engagement and resolution; reducing Local Policing demand and directing appropriate incidents to the right agency through pathway referrals and enhanced collaborative working.

In May 2023, the Modernised Contact & Engagement Programme Board approved the Contact Engagement & Resolution Project’s recommendation that a Proportionate Response to Crime process should be piloted within North East Division over a 12-week period. The pilot was developed in collaboration with Contact, Command and Control Division, the Divisional Crime Management Unit in the North East and Local Policing colleagues.

Between 28 September and 19 November 2023, the newly developed Proportionate Response to Crime process was piloted within North East Division.

During the pilot, incidents with low associated threat, harm, risk or vulnerability were assessed for investigative opportunities whilst crime reports were obtained via telephone by C3 Division. Where no proportionate lines of enquiry were identified, crime reports were sent to North East Division with a recommendation that they were direct filed.

An evaluation of the North East Division pilot has been completed (see appendix 1). The evaluation recommends that Police Scotland roll out the Proportionate Response to Crime process across the rest of the Force. We intend to progress this on a phased basis with ongoing engagement and evaluation.