Supported victims

Audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse

On Monday, 16 June, 2025 the UK Government published Baroness Louise Casey’s report following her national audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse.

This is an important report on a complex issue, and we are carefully considering the content and recommendations.

Police Scotland is committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls. We will listen and will investigate all reports. The needs of survivors are always at the heart of our victim centred approach. We will continue to work with partners to identify and to protect potential victims, and to tackle child sexual exploitation and grooming.

Police Scotland has carried out a number of large-scale child sexual exploitation investigations, resulting in several convictions. We have worked closely with partners, including local authorities, criminal justice colleagues and the third sector, to learn from each of these investigations to improve the whole-system response and better support victims.

In addition to considering Baroness Casey’s report and recommendations, I have asked Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors to oversee a review of previous cases and on-going investigations across Scotland. Should further learning be identified, we’ll outline relevant areas and take action.

We will continue to work closely with policing across the UK to ensure mutual sharing of best practice and learning, to tackle all forms of criminal exploitation.

Body Worn Video - N Division roll out

On Tuesday, 17 June, colleagues in the Highlands and Islands were equipped with body worn video as the national roll out continues.

Around 400 officers, including road policing officers and dog handlers, will be equipped with the new devices. Body worn video can significantly enhance public confidence and support officer and public safety by providing effective and transparent evidence of police and public interactions.

I have prioritised the roll out of body worn video and its one of the ways that we can work towards our vision of safer communities and less crime.

More than 10,500 Home Office approved Motorola Solutions VB400 cameras will be issued to frontline officers from constable to inspector ranks, and to police custody staff, across the country.

Human Trafficking learning event

On Thursday, 19, June at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, we held a professional development event for first responders to human trafficking incidents.

The event, led by our National Human Trafficking Unit, sought to raise awareness of human trafficking and exploitation and improve understanding of the actions to be taken by officers who may attend incidents or encounter a potential victim of trafficking.
The event provided an in-depth look at the realities of trafficking with guest speakers and a number of survivors who spoke about their own lived experience of trafficking, as well as the positive and negative aspects of their experience of policing.

I would like to thank the team for arranging such an important event for our colleagues that will have tangible results for trafficking victims.

Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) Scotland Act 2025

On Wednesday, 25 June, 2025, the first commencement regulations of the Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) Scotland Act 2025 come into force.

These elements include the creation of a new legislative standard of professional behaviour of a duty of candour, which will also result in the oath of office, which our constables make, being amended to include candour.

The duty of candour means officers have a duty to be open and truthful in their dealings, without favour to their own interests or the interests of the police service subject to the reasonable assertion of the privilege against self-incrimination.

It means officers have a duty attend interviews and assist and participate in proceedings (including all investigations) openly, promptly, and professionally, in line with the expectations of a Police Constable.

Other changes that will be made under the new legislation include placing the Code of Ethics on a statutory footing and we’re reviewing and will consult on the code.

Our implementation of this legislation is being supported by an internal programme of communication, engagement and training, managed by our Professional Standards Department.