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 attended the Scottish Police Federation Conference to listen to perspectives and underline her gratitude for the work to drive efficiency and support officer welfare. She welcomed the opportunity to take part in a question-and-answer session, and thanked officers, staff and volunteers for their work and commitment in challenging circumstances.
• CCFarrell referenced the BWV roll out in Dundee, noting it can help de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing, reduce complaints, support officer and staff safety, and improve the quality of evidence presented in court. She thanked the Chief Digital Information Officer, the change team and the staff in Tayside Division, and confirmed almost 200 pieces of evidence had been uploaded in the first 24 hours.
• CCFarrell commented on the joint statement released between herself and the family of Sheko Bayou. She confirmed she had met with the family to express condolences and underline her commitment to engage in the public enquiry. A settlement was agreed without admission of liability by Police Scotland. To protect the privacy of his family, details of the agreement will remain confidential and neither party will comment further.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members sought further information on the impact and nature of referrals through the mental health pathway and the mental health index. CCFarrell commented that the area is building momentum, but challenges remain as officers are not yet feeling the full impact. DCCSpeirs added there were approximately 400 monthly incidents compared to 150-170 monthly incidents initially, and each incident deferred to another service equates to half an officer’s shift. Whilst it was positive that individuals are getting the right level of service and progress is being made, demand indicates more work can be done and partner support is essential. DCCSpeirs assured Members that leadership in the area is senior enough with robust governance in place.
• Referring to criminal justice efficiencies, Members questioned how public benefits are measured to which CCFarrell agreed to provide data. Members were informed partnership work continues to drive efficiencies, with CCFarrell referencing recent agreement on a summary case management programme.
• Members sought information on the cost, impact and reporting of the Rider Refiner Course. DCC Jane Connors (DCCConnors) responded that the scheme is being rolled out nationally in 2025, costing £40 per person and includes focus on wider safety. Early evaluation has taken place, and positive feedback has been received. Members heard Police Scotland focus was on behavioural change and various speed awareness and driver awareness courses were available from supporting charities.
• Members questioned whether Police Scotland intend to provide management training to officers and staff before they reach management level. CCFarrell responded that the Your Leadership Matters scheme focusses on value-based leadership and behaviours. DCCSpeirs cited the People Development Management Programme, explaining that phase 1 was being rolled out which focusses on 1st line managers. There are plans to roll out phase 2 which focuses on Inspector level and then the next phase which focuses on Superintendent level. Members heard it was a two-day programme and had been well evaluated.
• Member sought comment on the policing of the recent Celtic versus Rangers football match. DCCConnors commented that public safety is always the priority and 58,000 attended where the vast majority of fans behaved. A Section 60, an intelligence led power, was put in place before the game and was well publicised. Members were told two groups gathered and both were engaged with. One group agreed to be searched while one group did not agree. The group who refused were not allowed to progress to the match. DCCConnors advised the policing response was proportionate.
• Members sought progress on the live facial recognition national conversation. DCC Bex Smith (DCCSmith) advised work to identify cases and to understand how live facial recognition might benefit people was complete and a finalised draft will be discussed internally and with partners during April. During May a national conversation chaired by an independent person will take place and a final report will come to the Policing Performance Committee in June.
• Members questioned what outcomes were being sought in response to the retail crime taskforce and strategy. CCFarrell advised that an additional £3million of funding had been allocated by the Scottish Government to make progress in this area and explained the 4P approach and its strong prevention and diversion elements. CCFarrell highlighted that detection figures have been maintained despite the rise in retail crime.

Members noted the report and agreed the following action:
20250327-BM-001 – CCFarrell to provide information on how public benefits are measured relating to criminal justice reform efficiencies.