CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT

Members considered the report which provided detail relating to the Police Service, policing, and the state of crime. CCFarrell provided an overview of the points noted within the executive summary of her report.

In addition to the report, the following points were also raised:
• CCFarrell commented on recent incidents at Scottish beaches during 17 and 18 May, confirming an arrest had been made regarding the death of Kayden Moy.
• CCFarrell commented that violent crime is at historically low levels however there was concern about trends around violent crime committed by and against young people and the proportion that happens in and around schools. She stressed it was on policing and partners, local authorities and the third sector to work together to prevent violence and reduce harm.
• CCFarrell highlighted that there were around 40,000 recorded stop and search incidents last year, and about one in four had a positive return, with over 900 weapons recovered. Of those 900 weapons, over 200 were recovered from people aged 17 or under. She confirmed there was a high compliance rate with the code of practice and an online dashboard provided accountability and transparency around its use.
• CCFarrell summarised some of the partnership work and initiatives aimed at reducing youth violence. These included: Medics Against Violence, Fearless, the "Do The Right Thing" programme, the Supporting Opportunities for Life project, the “No Knives, Better Lives” programme and the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit’s “Quit Fighting for Likes” campaign.
• CCFarrell provided an update on the football related disorder in Glasgow on 17 May, confirming 20 people have been arrested, 17 have been charged and 4 have been reported in connection with offences. She advised 320 officers were involved in the response, away from other community duties. CCFarrell committed to continue to work with clubs and other partners and stated the ideal scenario would be an agreed and organised event that ensures safety and security, minimises wider disruption and which could also create economic opportunities

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members asked what more can be done to reduce knife crime. CCFarrell responded that the policing focus was having a clear presence in areas where youth are known to gather, to set a tone and prevent escalation and anti-social behaviour. CCFarrell commented that an intelligence led approach is taken but reiterated the requirement for a system wide approach from partners.
• Praise was given to Police Scotland’s contribution to the national discussion on live facial recognition.
• Members sought more comment on the approach to policing football disorder. CCFarrell highlighted that those involved in the co-ordinated violence were the minority but there had been an impact on residents, tourism, business owners and it had a taxpayer cost. CCFarrell stated there is a requirement to bring safety controls to these celebrations and it requires co-operation from clubs, the Scottish Football Association, Local Authorities and fans. She reiterated that the ideal scenario is an organised celebration to minimise the impact on the public. Members were informed Scottish Government have arranged a round table event to discuss disorder and Police Scotland will attend.
• Members sought comment on the role of Special Constables in Police Scotland’s 2030 vision. CCFarrell stated that a key part to delivering the vision in terms of safer communities and strengthening the community model is increasing Special Constables. The work of Special Constables will be included within the draft Volunteering Strategy that is expected to be brought through governance for approval.
• Members sought further feedback from the engagement with leader sessions. DCC Bex Smith (DCCSmith) commented that the events were valuable as they provided the executive team the opportunity to speak extensively to leaders who were given the opportunity to ask questions. Members heard the biggest area of feedback was on transparency and they were informed that further events would be scheduled in the future.
• Members questioned how success of the new cyber and fraud unit can be measured. DCCSmith advised that new resource has not been brought in but instead areas and roles have been re-parented to bring everything under one place. The unit has both officers and staff including specialist skilled staff. Members heard performance metrics are strong however work is continuing to understand what good looks like across the UK.
• Members sought further information on learning from the Investigatory Powers Commissioner. CCFarrell advised that the ICO and his team have scrutiny over the use of investigatory powers which is a complex area of business and has a level of intrusion. The role of the commission is to ensure Police Scotland are compliant with the law and proportionate in its use. CCFarrell assured Members that Police Scotland have a strong relationship with the ICO office and seek their advice regarding the use of powers as technology evolves.
• Members sought comment on Operation Begonia and whether there is a link between prostitution and serious and organised crime. DCCSmith responded that it is an area that is difficult to see results, but time has been spent investing and certain methods should help indicate results. DCCSmith stated that criminal justice outcomes have indicated links between human trafficking and prostitution and there has been working group established to discuss how the issue is tackled. Members were assured that Police Scotland were engaged in the private member’s bill for the Scottish Parliament on tackling prostitution.

Members noted the report.