1. Principles of early engagement and communication

There is a statutory duty on policing, set out in the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, to work in a manner which is collaborative with partners, accessible and engaged with local communities, and with a clear
emphasis on prevention. Police Scotland will work proactively with the Authority where an issue is assessed as likely to be of significant public interest. This should be at the earliest practicable stage of the development process of a new or revised strategy, policy, or practice. The joint objective is to better inform decision making, through wide and transparent public discussion and engagement at the earliest opportunity. Enhancing decision making by enabling the widest civic awareness, understanding of the issue, and providing assurance that relevant partners and stakeholders have had an opportunity to consider and contribute to it.

The impacts and benefits of many policy issues within policing are felt across communities and civic partners, including local government. Early engagement with the Authority should identify these impacts and benefits. Associated risks, whether relating to service quality, reputational, governance or public confidence matters should also be identified and where possible proactively mitigated through an agreed coordinated plan.

The MOU will apply specifically to new, revised, and emerging areas of strategy, policy, or practice; however, the use of the MOU principles will support the identification of broader, thematic, issues for discussion and consideration. For example, Police Scotland may seek to introduce new technologies to protect citizens against the growing range of digital threats and risks. There is, however, the need for a wider, contextual,
discussion about the appropriate balance of duties of policing in Scotland, alongside the safety and privacy expectations and rights of the public.

Police Scotland will build on its consistent demonstration of, and commitment to, ethical policing and its organisational values of integrity, fairness, respect, and commitment to upholding human rights. Openness
and transparency in its decision making on significant matters of new strategy, policy or practice aims to further strengthen the principle of policing by consent across all Scottish communities.

The Chief Constable’s responsibilities for improving the safety and well-being of persons, localities and communities in Scotland may in time critical situations require dynamic and responsive decision making. The
Chief Constable is required and empowered in statute and common law to take such decisions in relation to strategy, policy or practice as circumstances require. It may not, therefore, be possible for this Memorandum of Understanding to cover every situation or eventuality that may arise as the Chief Constable discharges these responsibilities. In those exceptional circumstances the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding should be applied.