CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT

Members considered the report which provided detail relating to the Police Service, policing, and the state of crime. Chief Constable Jo Farrell (CCFarrell) highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper. In addition to the written report, she highlighted the Policing Together portfolio’s role in responding to sexism, misogyny, racism and discrimination issues. CCFarrell explained how the portfolio considers all the reviews and evidence along with the joint strategy and vision for policing plus legally required equality outcomes to develop and deliver meaningful action - all coordinated through an implementation plan. CCFarrell reiterated her commitment to this area, thanked ACC Catriona Paton (ACCPaton) and the Policing Together Oversight Group Chair, and encouraged staff to continue engaging with staff surveys.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Further comment was sought on Police Scotland’s role in tackling drug deaths. DCC Alan Speirs (DCCSpeirs) explained that substance harm prevention is a part of the policing together portfolio and focuses on partnership and collaboration, especially partnership with Public Health Scotland. The Police Scotland Drug Strategy focuses on information sharing, minimising impact on local communities, maximising opportunities to reassure communities, improving referral pathways and improving understanding of lived experience. DCCSpeirs advised that improving technology to help share information and data quicker across partner networks and local communities is key. He also advised that naloxone use has had a big impact and confirmed that every operational officer carries it. DCC Jane Connors (DCCConnors) explained some of the enforcement elements, notably operational work to disrupt supply such as removal of pill pressers, disruption of nitazenes labs and county lines. DCCConnors explained that officers work closely with local authorities, social workers and housing officers to do joint proactive visits to help deny drug access and protect vulnerable people who are exploited as a result of drugs.
• Members asked CCFarrell to reiterate her position on live facial recognition. CCFarrell advised that a series of conversations and consultations around the use of the technology have taken place where privacy concerns have been raised. CCFarrell stated that using the rights-based pathway would allow a continual check and balance when considering what the deployment would look like, understanding the public safety benefits and understanding how the information will be used. She confirmed Police Scotland will endeavour to use lessons learned from other UK forces to help with this work. CCFarrell advised that work continues to develop a business case in a sensitive and appropriate manner that upholds values and ensures ongoing confidence and trust from communities. Ongoing oversight by the Authority will be provided by the Policing and Performance Committee.
• Members sought comment on the impacts of investment in enhanced community policing. CCFarrell explained that trust and confidence in policing stems from people’s sense of safety and security, and community policing is key to this. Therefore, the ability to deliver the policing vision will include a strong visible community footprint including visible partnership effort. CCFarrell added that community policing is the foundation of the public seeing policing effectiveness, and it enables the organisation to identify tensions early and effects of national events. In terms of workforce modernisation, CCFarrell stated that the intention is to have police officers doing more frontline policing roles and there is evidence of increased numbers returning to the frontline. In addition, a police staff workforce will be developed that has expertise in dealing with some of the new threats driven by technology.
• Members sought further detail on the implementation of the estates masterplan. DCCSpeirs confirmed a Chief Officer for Estates had been recruited and it was the intention to bring an implementation plan and roadmap to a future Resources Committee. DCCSpeirs also confirmed Police Scotland were on track to deliver this year’s capital spend with large capital projects ongoing and commitment to several refurbishments. He added that the next Resources Committee will receive information on Fettas and Jackton estates work. CCFarrell added that investment in the estate is key to staff and officers knowing that the organisation cares about their working environment and also for the public to see that Police Scotland are investing in their local area.
• Members sought comment on training undertaken to help police protests and counter protests. Detail was also sought specifically on the policing response to a protest held on 4th September 2025 at the Scottish Parliament. DCCConnors responded that Police Scotland have a duty to police protests but not to obstruct. She summarised the training undertaken, including human rights training during probationer training, and escalation and communication training during officer safety training and public order refresher training. Behavioral science is also touched on during the ‘act, don’t react’ training and public order officers get specific training on freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. DCCConnors confirmed that training is scenario-based and includes recent legislation. When planning for events, briefing notes are provided which include legal background and the style and tone to be set. Whilst understanding that protests can be emotive, human rights, de-escalation and communication is key to each response. Regarding the protest on 4th September, DCCConnors provided reassurance that Police Scotland are reviewing the circumstances and will ensure any complaints are considered and any learning will come through training mechanisms.
• Further comment was sought in relation to the public health approach to suicide prevention. DCCSpeirs responded that Police Scotland commissioned production of the film ‘The Low Road’ and wanted to showcase more widely. He explained that it was a complex area, but Police Scotland were connected and engaged at a UK level. He added that the partnership workstream in the area sits within the policing together portfolio and there was a range of activities available for staff and officers, as well as communities. DCCSpeirs confirmed Police Scotland work closely with the National Police Chief Council on policy for bereavement following suicide deaths and are working with partners to understand the impact.
• Following high profile cyber-attacks on retail and industrial organisations, assurances were sought on Police Scotland’s preparedness to react to cyber threats. CCFarrell responded that Abertay University were a key strategic partner in terms of cyber and fraud work and they, along with other partners, assist the newly built fraud and cyber unit. CCFarrell explained that the force record and investigate 50 fraud crimes a day, mostly affecting young people and over 65s. Due to sensitivity, CCFarrell offered to provide further advice in private on Police Scotland’s preparedness for cyber and fraud threats, and work on safeguarding Scotland. CCFarrell confirmed that Police Scotland will help to investigate any cyber-attacks on other organisations. DCCConnors added that it was important to be in the prevention and education space and sharing information and intelligence has led to increased reporting although there was still underreporting from the public.
• Members were assured that policing responses from Operation Begonia were undertaken throughout Scotland, with a focus on identifying victims and perpetrators.

Members noted the report and agreed the following action:
20250925-BM-001: Following high profile cyber-attacks on retail and industrial organisations – Police Scotland to provide further advice on preparedness for cyber and fraud threats, and work on safeguarding Scotland.