LOOKING FORWARD

As we move through 2025/26, the internal governance and scrutiny measures previously outlined for the use of stop and search will remain firmly in place.

Body Worn Video

Police Scotland has begun its roll out of Body Worn Video (BWV) to operational officers which will continue through 2025/26. As part of the implementation of BWV, clear directions and procedural instructions are provided to officers at all levels, from constables to inspectors. These instructions outline how BWV should be used to ensure full transparency in stop and search encounters.

From September 2025 NSSU will integrate BWV dip sampling processes into their daily governance procedures. This process will involve the random selection of samples which will be evaluated to ensure that stop and search procedures are conducted lawfully, proportionately, and with respect to individual rights. Any instances of non-compliance will be flagged for appropriate further action, while good practices will be acknowledged to encourage continuous improvement for stop and search interactions and commitment to upholding public trust.

Code of Practice Review

The Scottish Government owns Code of Practice, including Annex B, ‘Establishing the Gender of Persons for the Purpose of Searching’. The NSSU is actively engaging the Scottish Government as they conduct a full review of the Code, which has been in place since 2017, to ensure alignment with refreshed practices and updated language. The review is already underway, with a series of workshops covering key topics and a Short Life Working Group involving various stakeholders. A draft is expected in early 2026 which will then undergo a public consultation prior to a final publication. Consideration will also be given to refresh guidance and training for officers to support any changes.

On 25 June 2025, following the UK Supreme Court’s judgement from 16 April 2025, which clarified the definitions of woman and sex under the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex, Police Scotland published interim guidance relevant to searching of transgender persons and searching by transgender officers and staff.  Work continues to support colleagues in the application of the guidance, including scenario-based examples and a frequently asked questions section.

Business Assurance Review

A Business Assurance review of NSSU is ongoing through Audit and Assurance and provides an independent assessment of existing policies and procedures. Phase 1 of the review focused on auditing and quality assurance processes related to stop and search records. This resulted in the Professional Advice Note (PAN), which outlined several opportunities to further strengthen processes.

In August 2025, Phase 2 of the Business Assurance review was completed. This phase concentrated on two key areas, the recording of ethnicity data and the response to Automated Multiple Interaction Reports (AMIR). The identified recommendations and opportunities for improvement are now being reviewed by NSSU for factual accuracy prior to progression within agreed timeline.

The NSSU continually seeks to review and strengthen its approach to recording and reporting of ethnicity data in relation to stop and search. This is critical to upholding transparency, accountability and fairness, and plays a key role in maintaining public trust and confidence.

PRONTO Integration

All operational officers carry a mobile device which provides a range of administrative benefits and replaces the traditional handwritten notebook. NSSU are currently in dialogue with Digital Division to embed this improved IT technology into the recording of stop and search to streamline the process. This development would allow officers to submit a stop and search form directly from their mobile devices whilst deployed within the community and provide the member of the public subject to a search with an electronic printed receipt, which would replace the current handwritten process. The service provider has agreed to develop and provide an interface application to allow both systems to communicate and Digital Division are continuing to progress this.

NSSU continue to explore opportunities for continuous learning and development to promote good practice and consistency across the country. Feedback, guidance and learning will continue to be delivered to both front line officers and management, as required. It is important to continuously look to improve our application of this valuable tactic.