Introduction

Policing underpins the safety and resilience of the people of Scotland. Police reform to date has undoubtedly improved the service, but there is more we need to do to ensure policing in Scotland is equipped and supported to carry out its responsibilities. Scottish policing benefits from having strong public trust and confidence. This Strategic Police Plan seeks to build on that to drive further positive impacts for a safer Scotland. https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-crime-and-justice-survey/

The shifting demographics of Scotland has a major influence on how public services must work together to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities. Scotland covers a vast and varied landscape, from dense urban environments to remote rural, coastal and islands.

Scotland’s local communities of both geography and interest are becoming even more complex. Historically, communities were built on physical proximity, but this has been changing for some time. The continued evolution of digital technology and the advance of social media, coupled with people’s need to connect and feel a sense of belonging, have opened up new communities based on identity and shared interests. We now have cross-cutting forms of connectedness, providing opportunities for people to find identity in the connections they make, both virtually and physically. Where these opportunities are weaker, there is an increased risk of criminal activity, as crime groups fill the void.

Policing in Scotland must be operationally effective and focused on collaboration to meet significant, and increasingly complex demands. The nature of crime is changing, with traditional crimes increasingly involving a digital element. Policing is called upon to respond to a diverse range of threats at a time when violence against emergency services remains a concern.

In recent times Police Scotland has demonstrated that there is great strength and public value in a national, human-rights focused approach to policing. Examples include policing during the long periods of public restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the successful and secure delivery of global events such as the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. More recently, the benefits of the approach were demonstrated in the immediate mobilisation at scale in response to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II whilst day-to-day policing was maintained.

Economic pressures continue across the public sector, with ongoing increases in demand. Providing people with the help they need will be ever more important as the cost of living drives vulnerability and need in communities. Financial challenges place all public services under pressure, which can impact policing as community needs become more critical and immediate, and can be displaced upon policing, which is so often the service of first and last resort.

Police Scotland will continue its programme of transformation to ensure better efficiency and effectiveness within the financial allocation, whilst articulating clearly the level of resources required for current and future services.

This Strategic Police Plan describes how the opportunities to address the challenges identified will be created. It drives Police Scotland’s approach to all other strategies and implementation plans, ensuring a consistent cascade of purpose for all operational policing in Scotland. The Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland jointly develop and agree the strategic direction and associated outcomes for policing and these are set out in this document.

It is framed around five strategic outcomes which describe the positive impact that we are seeking for the people and communities of Scotland. It aligns to the policing principles laid down in the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. It describes the policing contribution to the National Performance Outcomes and Justice System Outcomes; and it fully reflects the guidance set out in the Scottish Government’s Strategic Police Priorities and Vision for Justice.

The Scottish Police Authority is required under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 to allocate financial resources within policing. The Authority is funded primarily by way of grant in aid allocation from the Scottish Government, which is then allocated to Police Scotland, Forensic Services and the Authority’s corporate functions. Further income can be raised by charging for services and attracting grants, as well as reinvesting the proceeds from selling assets (e.g. buildings and vehicles).

Police reform has allowed officer numbers across communities in Scotland to be maintained, while removing around £200m from the annual cost base. The creation of the single police service has generated savings that have significantly exceeded the target in the outline business case for police reform.

However, despite the achievement of these significant savings, policing faces continual financial challenges.
We will continue work to transform our services to reach a financially sustainable position to allow us to meet the ambitions set out in this strategy.

Capital funding

The capital budget is used to invest in routine replacement of assets and in capital change projects. Capital funding includes Scottish Government capital grant and reform funding, and receipts from the sale of assets.

Financial planning

Developing sound plans to improve and change Scottish policing is critical to the successful achievement of this strategy. These must be underpinned by robust decision making regarding finance and investment. Police Scotland will continue to build its capability in these areas to enable proper scrutiny and accountability by the Authority.