Report Summary
The roles and responsibilities of the Scottish Police Authority (the Authority) and Police Scotland in relation to strategic planning are set out in the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 at Sections 34 and 35.
Under the Act, the Authority is responsible for producing a Strategic Police Plan and involves the Chief Constable of Police Scotland in developing it.
The alignment of strategic direction, priorities for policing, planning and performance assessment is articulated in this Plan.
This Strategic Police Plan for Scotland requires ministerial approval prior to publication and laying before Parliament.
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Foreword
Our Strategic Policing Plan (SPP) for Scotland 2026 builds on the strong strategic foundation set and delivered through the outcomes of the Joint Strategy for Policing 2020 and 2023. It sets a clear direction for the policing system through high level strategic outcomes which build on those described and evidenced in 2020 and 2023.
Since the last SPP was published in 2023, there have been a number of leadership changes at the Authority and Police Scotland, including the appointment of Chief Constable, Jo Farrell.
Over the last two years, the Authority, Police Scotland and Forensic Services have all delivered significant improvement and transformation programmes. Police Scotland has developed a clear long-term Vision 2030 which drives an ongoing programme of work underway to further build on the reform of policing and enhance the safety and wellbeing of people places and communities across Scotland. Forensic Services has designed and implemented a new operating model and set out its own vision in the Forensic Services Strategy 2025, to further improve on provision of world leading forensic services to the wider criminal justice community.
We continue to see increased demand pressures and complexity challenging the policing system; however we also see a system responding to these challenges through increased productivity, transformation and innovation whilst delivering a balanced budget. Demands for policing and forensic services continue to grow and evolve. Prioritising services to ensure the greatest threats, harms risks and vulnerabilities are met has become routine. Collegiality and partnership through whole system working with a range of partners and stakeholders across and outside the justice sector are key to identifying and taking forward collaborative solutions to challenges.
This Plan reflects the progress made in the policing system to date. It describes the outcomes we aim to deliver for the people, places and communities of Scotland, while working with key stakeholders and partners to take forward public service reform and continuing to deliver best value.
With a focus on promoting continuous improvement, the SPP focuses on the oversight and delivery of safer communities and improved wellbeing by a thriving policing workforce that embraces innovation and optimises efficient service delivery.
Our relationship with the public and communities of Scotland is fundamental to driving public trust and confidence in and understanding of the policing system. We are committed to listening and responding to all communities across Scotland, including those who have been historically marginalised.
Fiona McQueen CBE, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority
