Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee with assurances on the use of Prevent within Police Scotland and the way in which Prevent fits into the wider Contest framework and evidence the positive impact it has on reducing threat risk and harm from potential terrorism.
This report will explain how Prevent works in partnership and uses an early
intervention approach to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure our
communities are safer.
This report will provide assurance that Police Scotland is working upstream
with partners to ensure early intervention and support and prevention
strategies are being applied to safeguard and protect vulnerable people and
communities and ensuring this is an ongoing priority and focus for Police
Scotland.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Policing Performance Committee - 10 June 2026
Date : 10 June 2026
Location : online
Alignment to risk register and risk appetite
Alignment to risk register and risk appetite
Risk alignment OCCTU Risk Register
Risk CT0003 Prevent Delivery Unit – Increased Demand
Risk CT0002 Prevent Case Management Tracker – E Automated System
There is a risk that the PDU will be unable to effectively discharge Police Scotland’s statutory Prevent Duty due to the increase in demand of prevent referrals and resultant casework. Referrals for 2024-25 were 60% higher than the five-year average in Scotland. Data has not yet been published for 2025-26. The figures are still being checked and verified, however are likely to show an increase in excess of 40% from the previous year.
This demand will have an impact on the unit’s ability to effectively manage casework and deliver our engagement strategy both internally and with external partners. The increased workload in this high-risk area of policing is placing a considerable demand on staff and is not sustainable. The risk of terrorism in Scotland would increase if subjects were missed or not assessed and managed appropriately at the early intervention stages of Prevent Case Management.
2 posts from elsewhere in OCCTU have been realigned to Prevent. A recruitment process has identified 2 suitable candidates who are currently undergoing the required vetting prior to Divisional Bids being made for transfer. Once these officers have completed their training, it will relieve some of the pressure, however if the increased workload remains, further resourcing will require to be considered.
The Risk score is currently 20. This is above appetite (8-10) and tolerance (12-16).
The PDU currently manage their casework via an Excel spreadsheet and Word case management documents. This differs from England & Wales who manage their casework on the Prevent Case Management Tracker (PCMT) which is an electronic workflow system.
Work is ongoing to transfer to PCMT however cannot progress until there is a ‘Joint Controller Agreement’ (JCA) in place between Police Scotland, CTPHQ and the the other UK Forces. The latest draft of the JCA is currently being considered by Police Scotland Legal and Data Assurance departments. If the JCA is agreed and signed, it would provide access to PCMT and a more efficient workflow system.
2.11 The Risk score is currently 12. This is above appetite (8-10) but within tolerance (12-16).
