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Published: 19 September 2023

Police Scrutiny in Scotland – Public Briefing

Keywords : COSLA

Report Summary

A Public Briefing explaining the the police scrutiny landscape in Scotland. This Briefing provides an overview of current arrangements and context for policing scrutiny at a local, regional and national level in Scotland. Published in August 2023.

To access the full document please open the PDF document above.

To view as accessible content please use the sections below. (Note that some tables and appendixes are not available as accessible content).

Meeting

The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below

Meeting of the Scottish Police Authority - 28 September 2023

Date : 28 September 2023

Location : Merchants House, Glasgow


Local Police Planning

Local Police Plans (LPPs) are drafted for each local authority to set the strategic direction for policing in the local area. Each Plan sets out agreed local priorities and objectives. It also details the arrangements that contribute to the delivery of other relevant local outcomes, strategies and development plans, including those that are defined through community planning, namely in Local Outcome Improvement Plans (LOIPs). The Plans are drafted by local police command teams, in consultation with local authorities and stakeholders, and require to be approved by the local authority. The LPPs for 2023-26 can be viewed here: Your Community - Police Scotland

Local Police Plans describe how the local area will deliver on commitments from the national Strategic Police Plan, approved by the Scottish Police Authority, and the Chief Constable’s Annual Police Plan, which is endorsed by the Authority.  Local oversight enables the development of policing strategies that are specifically tailored to address local issues effectively.

Police Scrutiny Conveners promote accountability, community engagement, tailored approaches, local knowledge, and democratic control. They ensure that policing remains responsive, effective, and accountable to the diverse needs and expectations of different communities across the country. Local authorities and their elected representatives are more familiar with the specific challenges, demographics, and social dynamics of their communities, which can help shape effective policing strategies and resource allocation.