Police Scotland and Forensic Services deliver outstanding operational services to Scotland’s communities and the wider criminal justice service. This is recognised as world-leading in many aspects. This is an extraordinary achievement and testament to the contribution of every police officer and member of staff.

As we enter 2024, policing is at a crossroads. Investment to improve our estate, technology and training is needed to achieve the excellence the public and our communities deserve.

For the second year running the Authority’s advocacy for increased funding, working in lockstep with the Chief Constable, has been successful. The Scottish Government’s commitment to provide more than £75million extra is very welcome and represents a significant increase, especially considering the real term cuts being faced by many other public services. Most importantly the 25% increase in capital funding could be transforming - improving buildings and buying the kit and software all police officers and staff deserve.

Over the last decade, policing in Scotland has undergone dramatic change. Far more than anything seen in England and Wales. The result is the holy grail of public service reform; improved services and millions of savings to the public purse. But we cannot stand still.

This crossroad will see policing enter the second phase of reform. This year will see the development of a new and sustainable model of policing. A model that can continue to address emerging harms and threats and strengthen community confidence and trust in policing. The new model must also deliver improvements to the capacity, capability and importantly the culture within policing.

Policing in Scotland has consistently delivered for Scotland’s communities, and I am confident it can continue to do so throughout this next phase of reform.

The Authority wishes the policing community a very Happy New Year and looks forward to working closely and constructively with senior staff, workforce representatives and key stakeholders in the year ahead.

This New Year Message first appeared in the January issue of 1919 Magazine.