CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT

Members considered the report which provided detail relating to the Police Service, policing, and the state of crime. Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Assurance was sought that there are adequate provisions for transgender employees. DCC Alan Speirs (DCCSpeirs) explained the estate audit work was complete and the interim guidance was a consequence of the audit. He stated the guidance was clear in terms of single sex, mixed sex and single occupancy and at the heart of it was the dignity and respect for all staff. DCCSpeirs referred to engagement with diversity associations and confirmed relationships were positive. With regards to the wider review, Members were told much of the work was in an advance state and some further statements from Human Rights were expected which would inform the work further.
• Members asked for information on how learning from the retail crime taskforce is being applied across Scotland. DCCConnors advised that the taskforce have dedicated officers who work with the retail industry in cities and rural areas. In Edinburgh, most shoplifting is carried out by a small number of people and intelligence has been key, with CCTV helping to ensure crimes are quickly and effectively reported. Learning from the experiences in Edinburgh indicated intelligence is an essential part as well as linking with local teams. Members were told partnership working was also key as shoplifting can be linked to addiction and homelessness.
• Members asked how Body Worn Video (BWV) impacted the level of violence against officers. DCCConnors highlighted that any attacks on officers are unacceptable. BWV is rolling out across the north and there is anecdotal evidence that when the cameras are on, behaviors de-escalate. DCCSpeirs added that Your Safety Matters is the forum where circumstances around officer assaults and injuries are looked at and lessons learned identified are fed into relevant training reviews.
• Assurance was sought that business as usual for policing communities remains, despite the continued policing of events and protests. DCCConnors acknowledged there had been an increase in challenging protests and whilst business as usual is being managed, it has been a challenge. In relation to football, an increase in European games and new risk groups associated with teams has required an increased policing response. DCCConnors advised that policing plans are reviewed to ensure proportionate resources and partnership working and engagement with multi-agency groups assists. DCCConnors explained that a large proportion of resource for policing football events is not seen by the public. DCCSpeirs explained that TOIL buy back requests in relation to various events in July have cost half a million pounds. He highlighted that there were governance arrangements in place to manage the budget and contingency for overtime has been built in. The TOIL trend is significant, and this will be required to be looked at further.
• Referring to recent protests in Falkirk, Members sought comment on the local community impact. DCCConnors paid tribute to the Officers who policed the protests and stated that people have the right to peaceful protest. She explained there had been several previous protests there, but the dynamic had changed as some protesters had moved from one protest to a particular one in Falkirk. DCCConnors assured Members that Police Scotland were able to move resources to respond, and local tension will be monitored with local community officers. DCCConnors warned that increased protests could mean that Officers are not able to respond as quickly as they would like to other concerns or provide updates to victims in a timely manner.
• DCCConnors was asked to comment on the proscription of Palestine Action. She advised proscription of an organisation is a decision for the UK Government. DCCConnors explained Police Scotland’s approach to policing protests, reiterating that people have the right to protest and any policing interference must be necessary, proportionate and in accordance with law. DCCConnors described the range of criminal offences that may relate to the membership of a proscribed organisation, and confirmed guidance is issued to all Officers. The guidance lists criminal offences but is clear that it remains lawful to express support for Palestine. Paul Edie expressed disappointment that a justification for the proscription was not provided. DCCConnors confirmed that proscription decisions are made by the UK Government and Police Scotland act in accordance with the law. The Chair noted the comments made and agreed to discuss further at a future opportunity.
• Members sought information on how recent periods of protests and other events could impact performance. DCCConnors responded that staff had felt pressure, and it looked like recent protest behaviours will continue. Members heard performance was monitored regularly and detection rates would help indicate themes and any potential impact. Members were assured that Q1 data showed effective performance was still being maintained but were cautioned that Q2 data may show pressures. Katy Miller (KMiller) added that colleague engagement results, monitoring absence rates and reason also assist in helping to mitigate and manage performance.
• More information was sought on the Crimestoppers police integrity line. DCCSpeirs advised there were a number of mechanisms to raise concerns, but the integrity line gave the opportunity for members of the public to raise Officer behaviour on and off duty. As it has already been introduced in England and Wales, any lessons learned would be evaluated for continuous improvements and progress will be reported through the Policing Performance Committee.
• Members sought further comment on planned policing responses and communication relating to human trafficking. DCCConnors acknowledged it was important area, with considerable impact and advised that local level policing would assist in responding to high end threats. Members heard that focus going forward would be to increase citizen awareness. DCCSmith added that it was a difficult crime to police as victims are hidden but Police Scotland work with NCA to understand international links.

Members noted the report and agreed the following action:
20250821-BM-001: Following discussions on policing protests, further information to be shared with Members to explain how organisations are proscribed.