Anti-Social Behaviour & Institutional Discrimination

In relation to antisocial behaviour the findings show that a high proportion of people in Scotland either experience or observe antisocial behaviour in their local community. Littering and dog fouling are the most pervasive forms of antisocial behaviour, followed closely by vehicle-related nuisance, be this speeding, revving of vehicles or inconsiderate parking.

Concern about different types of antisocial behaviour is not directly correlated with prevalence. For example, 73% of people say that they have seen or experienced littering/dog fouling in their local area, yet less than a third of people identify this as a main concern. Conversely, the use or dealing of drugs is of concern to people, even if less than half of the public has seen any evidence of it.

The public are of the view that the police should be the lead agency for tackling antisocial behaviour, which makes sense as the forms of antisocial behaviour identified as being most concerning are those that have a closer connection with criminal and/or dangerous behaviour (e.g. speeding and drug dealing).

In terms of interventions, the public indicate that they would like to see more prevention activity over and above other forms of intervention, although all types of intervention (including enforcement) are strongly supported.

The polling also asked people about how they would prefer to report antisocial behaviour, with the strongest support being for dedicated phone numbers/hotlines or completion of web forms. Calling into police stations or council offices directly had the least support.

Regarding institutional discrimination, around 6 in 10 people were aware of the Chief Constable’s statement in May 2023 about the existence of institutional discrimination in Scottish policing. Almost half of people agreed that it is an issue for Police Scotland, with a further 39% saying that they had no opinion. Only 10% of people disagreed with the Chief Constable’s statement.