Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee with an overview of regarding the proposed Air Support Strategic Plan for 2024 - 2025.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Policing Performance Committee - 11 June 2024
Date : 11 June 2024
Location : online
Background
The Police Scotland air support capability has expanded with the introduction of drones in 2019 alongside the existing helicopter. As technology continues to evolve, it is important that Police Scotland remains at the forefront of technological development both in terms of best value and sustainability. To support future development of the air support capability and to understand implications in relation to procurement, finance and ICT business areas, Operational Support Division was tasked to develop an Air Support Strategic Plan for the next 10 years.
The Air Support Strategic Plan, attached at Appendix A, outlines proposals to develop the air support capability further through a mixed air asset model of one helicopter and drone hubs, providing focused and localised air support. This capability will be sustainable, ensuring that our environmental impact is reduced using the right aircraft and equipment, whilst continuing to enhance and improve service delivery.
It is appreciated that the final version of the plan may be re-designed and that it may well be prudent to have an internal strategy and an external-facing version which has had any sensitive material removed.
The previous draft of the Strategic Plan was presented at COMB and SLB in Autumn 2023. Following engagement with SPA colleagues it has been amended.
