Introduction

Scottish Police Authority (SPA) commissioned Diffley Partnership to conduct regular polling of Scottish adults (16+) on attitudes to policing. This report sets out the key findings of the eighth wave of polling, conducted from 1st - 12th November 2025, with comparison to previous waves where relevant.

Methodology

Diffley Partnership designed the survey questionnaire in close consultation with SPA. Invitations to complete the survey were sent out through the online ScotPulse panel, and received 2,278 responses.

Results were weighted to Scottish adult population estimates (2023) by age and gender. Then, they were tabulated and analysed, examining descriptive statistics as well as between-group differences in opinion.

Previous waves of polling were undertaken with the same methodology. However, in wave seven, the questionnaire was streamlined to focus on key metrics. In addition, a definition was added to questions on confidence and trust, to ensure a common understanding of these terms. As a result of the addition of a definition to question wording, differences between waves one to six and waves seven and eight cannot be directly attributed to change over time.

This wave included additional bespoke questions about respondents’ views on their
neighbourhoods, to explore community cohesion throughout Scotland.

Presentation and Interpretation of Findings

This report summarises the key findings of this polling, including:

Confidence in police.

Trust in police.

Performance of the police across different aspects.

Neighbourhood cohesion.

Each element is explored in turn with the aid of data visualisation, including significant differences between groups, where appropriate.