Tag: Chief Constable Jo Farrell

Chief Constable addresses gender self-identification

‘a man who commits rape or serious sexual assaults will be recorded by Police Scotland as a male‘

Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell addressed the matter of gender self-identification during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority Board in Edinburgh today – Thursday, 26 September, 2024:

The Chief’s Constable’s statement in full –

It is important to acknowledge that gender self-identification has been amongst the most emotive and arguably divisive areas of public policy and practice in recent memory.

Neither the Scottish or UK Parliaments have been able to set out a codified approach in legislation to the legal status, rights or duties pertaining to the concept of gender recognition in a way that reconciles with the Equality Act 2010.

It is within this context that Police Scotland and other public bodies have determined policy and practice in a way that achieves what we consider to be a legal and appropriate balance of rights and duties.

Policing needs to consider this in terms of the many situations and scenarios within which we encounter people and this is not restricted to criminal investigations.

However, I recognise that the focus of debate as it relates to gender self-identification is in the area of serious sexual offences.

DCC Speirs wrote to the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee this week to explain our approach with particular reference to sexual crime and I wanted to add to that today by providing clarification on my expectations as Chief Constable around our operational practice.

The purpose of policing in Scotland is to improve safety and wellbeing. Police Scotland take a victim centred approach to investigating crime. Improving the experiences of victims is at the heart of everything we do.

Being an organisation that effectively supports victims is central to the long-term vision I am setting out to the board, for the SPA’s endorsement today.  

This also reflects the central emphasis that I have given to supporting victims of crime since I took up my role as Chief Constable nearly a year ago.

We have a critical role to play in preventing violence and safeguarding women and girls. Our aim is to support the development of a society and culture where women and girls live free from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and harassment.

I have been struck by the commentary from some quarters that Police Scotland under my leadership, in supporting policies that seek to respect the rights and dignity of transgender and other minority groups, is perpetuating a policy that is misogynistic. This is inaccurate.

I have spent my entire career of more than 30 years in policing facing and challenging misogyny while supporting the rights and progression of women. I will continue to do so.

I want to offer a strong reassurance today – our police officers and staff are trained to investigate crime in a way that focuses on a victim centred, trauma informed approach and which mitigates risk. We will continue to do this every day.

Let me also make clear my commitment and support for the LGBTQI+ community.

Everyone must know that when policing talks about keeping people safe, that applies universally.

Everyone must feel able to speak to the police, to report a crime or to share information knowing they’ll be treated with dignity and respect.

I stated in May that it was a matter of deep regret that these values, over a period of decades have not always applied to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland.

That remains my position – and as I said at the time, I am dedicated to building a service that all communities can trust, one that is inclusive, respects diversity, and protects the rights and dignity of all individuals.

In relation to sexual offending, our operational practice and decision making is sound but I have put myself in the position of our Custody sergeants and others on the operational frontline and I can see the benefit of clarifying our position today to ensure that our people continue to get this right.

I also understand the desire for clarity as it relates to sexual crime, a priority for policing in Scotland. To be clear – a male rapist cannot demand to be called a woman and further traumatise his victim – this would not happen. To my knowledge, this has never happened.

You can be assured that a man who commits rape or serious sexual assaults will be recorded by Police Scotland as a male.

By way of further reassurance, as it relates to serious sexual offending, Police Scotland obtain DNA samples from individuals accused of serious sexual assaults and from this sample a DNA profile will be obtained that will determine the person’s biological sex. This profile, and biological sex, is retained on the Scottish DNA Database and is available to be searched against crime scene samples to aid historic and future investigations.

I would only emphasise that the discussion around decision making on the operational frontline remains hypothetical – to my knowledge, we have never faced this scenario.

With regards to recording practice, Police Scotland’s procedures on the identification and recording of sex and gender is evidence-led and is in keeping with our values of policing with integrity, fairness and respect, and upholding human rights.

I note that the Chair’s report refers to the UK Government’s February 2024 commission of an independent review and best practice development around data collection issues – we strongly welcome that work and look forward to seeing its outcome in the months ahead.

In 2023, Police Scotland, through the Chief Data Office, conducted an analysis of Data collection and Data standards and our subsequent use of data as it relates to Sex & Gender.

This analysis was set against relevant pieces of legislation including the Data Protection Act, the Public Sector Equality Act as well as the Human Rights and Gender Recognition Act.

The report came at a time of continued public debate, it made a number of observations and continues to be considered within Police Scotland. To that end ACC Catriona Paton is reviewing the detail contained within the analytical report and will bring this through Police Scotland governance for further consideration.

Let me finish by being absolutely clear – a man who commits rape or serious sexual assaults will be recorded by Police Scotland as a male.

The organisation I lead is wholly committed to tackling violence against women and girls and to supporting survivors and victims effectively.

We will do this while upholding our values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights.

Our commitment here is unequivocal and also central to our long-term vision for policing.

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to respond to the issues raised recently, Chair. 

Chief Constable praises response officers during Week of Action

Chief Constable Jo Farrell paid tribute to response officers during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority yesterday (Thursday 27 June).

Speaking during the National Police Chiefs’ Council Response Policing Week of Action, the Chief thanked response officers for their bravery, compassions and resilience as the first police contact across countless scenarios and times of crisis.

The Chief said senior officers had been visiting response teams across the country to thank them in person and listen to their experiences.

CC Farrell said: “Response officers work around the clock to serve the public with bravery, compassion and resilience across countless scenarios – no two shifts are the same. Response officers are often the first contact the public has with their police service, and often in moments of crisis and criticality.

“I’ve been clear that it is my duty to support frontline policing and my aim is to bring the frontline to its strongest possible position. I want to record my deep gratitude for our response officers and I know senior officers right across the country are taking time to recognise and thank their teams.”

Chief Constable Farrell provided a wide ranging update on how officers and staff are delivering for the public, including securing important convictions in murder and organised crime cases.

The Chief’s speaking note is below

This week Police Scotland is recognising and celebrating the vital role and contribution of response policing as part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Response Policing Week of Action.

Response officers work around the clock to serve the public with bravery, compassion and resilience across countless scenarios – no two shifts are the same. Response officers are often the first contact the public has with their police service, and often in moments of crisis and criticality.

I’ve been clear that it is my duty to support frontline policing and my aim is to bring the frontline to its strongest possible position. I want to record my deep gratitude for our response officers and I know senior officers right across the country are taking time to recognise and thank their teams.

My report outlines how officers and staff are delivering for the public every day – investigating crime; securing court outcomes; and seizing illegal drugs.

This summer, policing is also supporting major events, including hugely popular music concerts, sporting events, festivals and a general election. I want to thank the officers and staff who plan and support our proportionate and appropriate policing response to ensure communities can enjoy events safely and participate in the democratic process.

Since appointment, I’ve underlined that as policing tackles threat, harm and risk, we must also focus on prevention and problem solving to support communities, eliminate harm and get on top of demand.

This month, we’re campaigning to reduce road casualties with a focus on wearing seatbelts and we’ve shared powerful testimony from people affected by road traffic collisions. I thank those who bravely shared their experiences in an effort to prevent further harm.

Introducing change that achieves efficiencies and benefits is critical to provide effective service.

We’ve now outlined a national contract to implement body worn video for over 10,000 frontline officers and staff across Scotland, over the next three years.

Motorola Solutions was awarded the contract on the basis of quality and value for money and a range of technical requirements. The new system is anticipated to work smoothly in areas with lower quality network connections, including rural locations, and we are also investing in our network capability to support this.

Body worn video can help to de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing and reduce complaints, support officer and staff safety, and bring wider benefits to the criminal justice system and I have been clear a national roll-out is a priority for me.

We know there is strong public and partner support for body worn video in Scotland and we will continue to explain policing’s use of this important technology, including assurance around data privacy and human rights considerations.

The national roll out of body worn video is a complex programme of work.  Appointing a supplier is an important step and we are working with Motorola Solutions to ensure that body worn video is embedded effectively for frontline officers and staff as soon as possible and we’ll continue to share details as progress is made.

I have highlighted that innovation and system-wide improvement must be prioritised and accelerated across the criminal justice system and, as we roll out body worn video, we’re working with Motorola Solutions and partners to maximise its benefits to improve efficiencies and experiences for victims.

My report details other work with the Scottish Government, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service to support better and quicker court outcomes for victims and to provide efficiency and value for the public and I am grateful for their engagement and commitment to those shared goals.

The time it takes for victims to get justice in this system is far too long. Victims and witnesses, including police witnesses, are repeatedly cited to court when they are not giving evidence.

Along with accelerating broader change across the criminal justice system, I want key partners, including the third sector, to help us find a balance around the care, support and monitoring of people suffering with poor mental health that officers are too often picking up.

We receive a mental health related call every three-four minutes on average and each year officers deploy to well over 100,000 mental health related incidents – the equivalent work of between 500 and 600 full time officers.

I’ve asked Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs to lead Police Scotland’s work with partners including the Authority and the Scottish Government and we’ve established a mental health taskforce to drive work in this priority area at pace.

The taskforce will develop and embed referral pathways such as the NHS Mental Health Pathway and Distress Brief Intervention, as well as operational guidance on how to access community triage, so the public get the right response from those best able to give people the help they need and deserve.

The taskforce will also build on training to give our people the knowledge, skills and confidence to support that balance around the care, support and monitoring in our day to day policing.

Of course, policing cannot succeed in this without the support and engagement of partners. There are localised examples of fantastic initiatives such as the Neuk in Perth which I visited in April.

But we need more of this, right across the country.

We want to work with partners to ensure there is the right capability and capacity in the system, while giving officers and staff the knowledge and tools to help people access the best help for them.

Moving on, I want to briefly highlight three events which are further detailed in my report.

I was grateful for the leadership, contribution and support of the Scottish Police Authority and you, Chair, for the first Scottish Biometrics Conference which the Authority and Police Scotland jointly hosted with the Biometrics Commissioner Dr Brian Plastow in Edinburgh last week.

The event was an important opportunity to continue the necessary public conversation about policing’s ethical use of biometrics data and new technology where it can help us discharge our positive duty to keep people safe.

We welcomed around 50 law enforcement colleagues, mostly from the United States as the Federal Bureau of Investigations hosted a cycle of their National Executive Institute programme for senior officers at Police Scotland Headquarters. Along with other Police Scotland chief officers, I addressed the delegates during this important example of our commitment to sharing learning on an international scale.

I want to thank everyone who contributed to and attended our recruitment open day hosted at our Recruitment and Training Centre at Jackton, in South Lanarkshire. The showcase was well attended and gave members of the public an insight into our varied, rewarding and demanding vocation.

My report also outlines the deployment of over 190 probationary officers to local policing following the completion of their initial training earlier this month.

It is important to say we are recruiting – particularly for police officers and for staff in our contact centres and I would encourage anyone who shares our values, who wants to help us keep people safe and who is interested in a hugely rewarding career to visit the recruitment area of our website.

We have provided an overview of the projected recruitment and officer headcount profile during 2024-25 which will be presented by DCC Speirs later. As Chief Constable, I would just make a few brief comments at this stage.

We know a number of factors, going back to recruitment and training being paused during the pandemic and COP26 and an increase in retirement following pension changes, along with a recruitment pause to ensure we delivered a balanced budget in 2023-24, have contributed to greater volatility in officer numbers than would otherwise be the case.

Police Scotland’s retention rate is in line with other large police services.

So far in 2024, as with previous years, we continue to see the majority of officers leave for retirement. Although our retention rate is good, I do recognise policing is a demanding job and I’m focused on improving the experiences of officers and staff.

As I mentioned earlier, I want to bring the frontline of policing to its strongest possible position. The context of that strength goes beyond an overall officer headcount and it is important we continue to maximise experienced officers performing frontline, operational policing for our communities.

At the same time, following the Scottish Budget announcement, I outlined our plans to restart officer recruitment in March and further intakes planned during 2024-25 total over 1300 officers, the highest number Police Scotland has recruited during a year.

As part of this, we’re introducing a non-residential course operated from Jackton which, as well as increasing our recruitment capacity, recognises the barriers a residential training programme can present for potential candidates.

In summary, increasing officer numbers is a focus and we’re testing innovative approaches to maximise our probationer training capacity, while at the same time pressing change that strengthens the frontline by redirecting resources or delivering efficiencies.

Lastly, my report details changes to leadership responsibilities within the Force Executive following the appointments of Stuart Houston, Catr​iona Paton and Mark Sutherland as Assistant Chief Constables.

Our refreshed Force Executive has a shared focus to evolve our service so policing can live within our means and to ensure we support our fantastic officers and staff, to deliver the best for our communities.

Police Scotland issues apology to the LGBTQI+ communities

Chief Constable Jo Farrell has apologised to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland for the pain caused through injustices, including policing’s role in enforcing laws which criminalised love and identity:

I believe passionately in the value that policing brings to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems, and reducing offending. We stand up for, and with our communities, which strengthens them, improves their wellbeing, and allows them to prosper.

That value must be for all our communities. Everyone must know that when policing talks about keeping people safe, that applies to them. All must feel able to speak to the police, to report a crime or to share information knowing they’ll be treated with dignity and respect. I also want people from all communities to see policing as a potential career.

It is a matter of deep regret that these values, over a period of decades have not always applied to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland.

As Chief Constable, I would like to extend a sincere apology, for the recent and historical injustices and discrimination that members of LGBTQI+ communities in Scotland have faced. At times policing has not only failed to protect you but has contributed to the mistreatment and prejudice many have endured.

Laws which criminalised love and identity were wrong, and policing must recognise and reflect upon our role in enforcing them. I am truly sorry for the serious and long-lasting physical and mental pain and harm caused, both to my internal colleagues, and to our communities.

Police Scotland is determined to build an inclusive Service, free from discrimination, for all our communities.

We will advocate for and support third party reporting to increase confidence and overall reporting.

We are empowering leaders to build inclusive teams; improving our education and training for all our officers and staff to ensure they understand and respect the issues facing the LGBTQI+ communities and on equality laws; focusing on our values and standards; and delivering a clear and consistent message that there is no place in Police Scotland for prejudice.

And we will reintroduce specialist liaison officers to work with the community and support officers and staff.

It is important that we take responsibility for our actions to build a future where everyone feels safe and supported.

I am dedicated to building a service that you can trust, one that is inclusive, respects diversity, and protects the rights and dignity of all individuals.

I hope this apology can contribute to the necessary progress to ensure the value of policing is for all communities.

Chief Constable presents her first Annual Police Plan

Chief Constable Jo Farrell presented her first Annual Police Plan as Scotland’s Chief Constable during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority yesterday, Thursday 21 March.

Chief Constable Farrell also provided a wide ranging update on how Police Scotland is delivering for the public.

The Chief outlined action to secure important court outcomes following murders and attempted murders in the west of Scotland; the latest sentence as part of a major public protection investigation into the sexual abuse of young and vulnerable people in Edinburgh; an initiative to tackle housebreaking and motor theft in Forth Valley; and drug seizures.

The Chief also highlighted a programme of equestrian training for young people in the east end of Glasgow which was designed and arranged by a Sergeant based in the city and reflected on the annual Bravery Excellence Awards​ held last month.

More information about the meeting, including the Annual Police Plan and the Chief Constable’s report, is available here.​​

Chief Constable Farrell’s speaking note is repeated below –

I want to start by reaffirming our apology to the family of Emma Caldwell following the conviction of Iain Packer at the end of February.

Emma Caldwell, her family, and many other victims, were let down by Strathclyde Police in 2005. I am sorry.

I am grateful that I was able to meet Emma’s family and for the opportunity to offer that apology directly and to listen to their perspective and experience and I pay tribute to their dignity and strength in the years since her death.

It is important that Emma’s family and the public get answers to the many questions they have.

On Thursday, March 7, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs set out that there will be an independent judge-led statutory Public Inquiry to understand what went wrong, to ensure lessons are learned for the future and to provide answers to the victims and survivors involved.

The Lord Advocate has indicated she is taking advice on instructing a police service from outside Scotland to look further at allegations against officers.

Policing in Scotland has reflected and learned from the initial investigation and subsequent re-investigation.

Significant changes have been made in recent years to improve organisational culture and our response, particularly in respect of investigative structures, victim care and processes to these types of crimes. 

The delivery of our Violence against Women and Girls Strategy demonstrates our absolute commitment to tackling the violence and abuse that disproportionately affects women and girls.

We now await confirmation of the details of the Public Inquiry. I reiterate my support for the Inquiry and undertake unconditionally that Police Scotland will engage fully with that process. We will fully assist any further steps instructed by the Lord Advocate.

Organisational learning never ends and I am committed to relentlessly improving how Police Scotland respond to and serve the public, and to ensuring officers and staff uphold our values and help to deliver justice for victims.

We will enter the new financial and reporting year with a refreshed leadership team, having appointed new Deputies and with plans for recruitment for Assistant Chief Constables. I will ensure the Force Executive shares and delivers on a change agenda for policing that puts our communities at the heart of everything we do.

My first Annual Police Plan as Police Scotland’s Chief Constable continues to place trust, confidence and performance at the top of our agenda and reflects the priorities and commitments I have directed for the service in the year ahead.

Since taking command, I’ve been clear my operational focus is in three areas – first, addressing threat, harm, and risk; second, prevention, problem solving and proactivity; and third, looking after the wellbeing of officers and staff so they can deliver for the public.

This report shines a light on some examples of how Police Scotland is delivering for the public across the first two areas – securing important court outcomes following our response to murders and attempted murders in the west of Scotland; the latest sentence as part of a major public protection investigation into the sexual abuse of young and vulnerable people in Edinburgh; an initiative to tackle housebreaking and motor theft in Forth Valley; and drug seizures.

Just yesterday, three men were jailed for a total of 59 years in relation to the murders and attempted murders in the west of Scotland.

Also this week, Benjamin Young was given a lifelong restriction order and sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in prison. Young had previously been convicted of 32 charges including serious sexual offending against children in the Argyll area following work by our National Child Abuse Investigation Unit.

In my written report I’ve also outlined the safeguarding of 22 vulnerable people and 16 arrests during a County Lines week of action which also resulted in the recovery of illegal drugs, cash, and offensive weapons, including a firearm.

These hugely positive results are an example of our determination to tackle organised crime and the criminals who profit from drugs, and target the vulnerable, This action is in support of Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.

I’ve also highlighted a preventative programme of equestrian training to support better life chances for young people in the east end of Glasgow which was designed and arranged by a Sergeant based in the city, Lauren Semple.

Building positive relationships with communities and identifying diversion opportunities is an essential part of how we prevent crime.

Through the programme, young people spent time with officers and were provided with a platform to succeed, be empowered, trusted and to develop their social and professional capabilities as they approach adulthood.

The young people involved undertook a Scottish Qualifications Authority qualification in horse care as part of the programme, forging potential future career pathways and opportunities.

In the first year, 22 young people enrolled, and four participants progressed on to higher SQA levels, with a 100% success rate for all participants on the original programme.

Officers also reported broader benefits across community complaints, attendance, and incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence, reducing demand on policing and partner resources.

I want to recognise and thank Sergeant Semple for her work with organisations including the Scottish Racing Academy (SRA), Tannoch Stables, Horse Scotland, the Scottish Police Recreation Association, Hooves and Paws Equestrian Centre, and campus officers across five schools in Glasgow to identify and support the candidates through this programme.

The best of Scottish policing, as well as heroic acts by members of the public, was also celebrated at our Bravery and Excellence Awards, held at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, on Friday, 23 February.

It is inspiring to hear from officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public and, at the same time, energising to reflect on the support communities provide to policing.

The awards, and the daily police work I see and hear about, underlines that our officers and staff are our greatest asset.

My third area of focus is my duty to nurture and support officers and staff, provide clear leadership and give them the training, skills and best modern technology to do their job.

I will continue to update the Authority on progress around Body Worn Video, which is an absolute priority for me, and which is outlined as a key milestone in my Annual Police Plan.

My report today also outlines significant progress on a programme to increase the number of Specially Trained Officers who are trained and equipped to carry Taser from 500 to 2,000, an important tactical option which can de-escalate situations and protect public and officer safety.

Of course, to focus on these three areas we need a sustainable, fit for purpose service and the ability to better understand and explain how we can deliver for the public. This month we present two plans – my Annual Police Plan and the budget for policing – which will be important to ensure we progress a necessary second phase of police reform in 2024-25.

I share the Authority’s commitment to producing and delivering balanced budgets for policing. There are very positive indications that the 2023-24 budget will be delivered without the requirement of further contingency funding from the Scottish Government which policing had previously requested. Our confidence around this has allowed us to notify Scottish Government that we will not require the contingency.

This has been achieved by significant focus right across the Service and driven by the Force Executive. It has been extremely challenging and has had operational implications, some of which we have seen pulling through in our performance reporting.

I want to thank everyone who has driven this effort to reduce what was a forecast pressure of around £19m. This has been delivered through really challenging action including a pause on staff recruitment other than for business critical roles; a delay in officer recruitment which has had implications for our resourcing; and by having a very tight grip on overtime spend.

Policing in Scotland’s record of fiscal discipline and rigour has been an important component of stability and credibility in recent years and it is vital that we maintain the progress that has been made.

We propose a balanced budget for policing for 2024-25 and progress on a second phase of police reform is crucial to live within funding while maintaining service and tackling threat, harm and risk.

Our funding allocation for 2024-25 allows us to restart police officer recruitment and next week I will welcome around 200 new recruits into Police Scotland.

We are also carrying out targeted recruitment in rural areas and although our staff recruitment pause remains in place, we are recruiting in priority areas such as C3.

What is equally important, though, is the number of experienced officers performing frontline, operational policing for our communities and how we give those officers the best services and support to do their jobs.

The second phase of police reform will inform how we shape, train, enable, equip and deploy our greatest asset – our officers and staff – to best meet the evolving needs and complexities of our diverse communities at best value.

Where we can release officers, whether through our own redesign or through working differently with partners, I am committed to returning those officers to frontline, operational policing.

My Annual Police Plan outlines a new approach to performance reporting which will help us to better understand and explain our level of service, using hard data across key measures to also inform how we deploy resources and enable effective scrutiny and benchmarking to drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

I’ve been clear since taking command Police Scotland will be willing to challenge ourselves so that we continually improve; and so that we are high performing.

Our performance focus must revolve around effective prevention, problem-solving and proactivity which is synonymous with demand reduction.

Our new Performance and Accountability Framework outlines measures across five key themes – Trust and Confidence; Threat, Harm and Risk; Prevention, Problem Solving and Proactivity; Our People; and Enabling Services.

I want police leaders to use the framework to take a values based approach to identify trends; investigate what sits behind them and intervene so that we are high performing and deliver for the public.

Equally, where success has been achieved and evidenced, it is essential we share these examples of good practice and policing delivering for the public with our colleagues and external audiences.

The framework will illustrate performance more clearly and by using hard data. But it is not about chasing targets and we will not drive key measures through practices which are not aligned with our values and which do not genuinely deliver for the public. Policing should not hit targets but miss the point.

Our aim is to bring the frontline of Scottish policing to the strongest position possible within the resources available and that we tackle threat, harm and risk and move from being reactive to high volume but lower risk incidents towards greater prevention and problem solving.

In addition to the planning for a new operating model over next few years, we are beginning to consider longer term plans in terms of where policing will be by, for example, the end of this decade. This work is at a very early stage.

As I’ve been clear, ensuring Scotland continues to be a safe place to live and work is my commitment and priority as Chief Constable.

All Change? Chief Constable announces plans for ‘service transformation’

Chief Constable Jo Farrell gave a wide ranging update on how Police Scotland is delivering for the public during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority Board yesterday (Thursday 22 February).

The Chief outlined the implications of policing’s budget allocation and discussed necessary criminal justice reform and the need to reset the parameters around Police Scotland’s role in responding to mental health incidents.

CC Farrell also shone a light on policing’s response to serious offences and securing important court outcomes; seizing illegal drugs; road traffic enforcement or picking out the unsung proactive community policing and prevention we know the public values.

The Chief also discussed joint work with the Authority to progress a programme of change across policing in Scotland.

CC Farrell said: “Change can be unsettling but we are building Police Scotland from a position of strength and we must clearly explain the changes to the public – and our officers and staff – so they can be confident in their police service.

“I have asked Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors to lead our programme of change, focused on delivering service transformation at pace, prioritising the frontline, removing back-office duplication, and creating capacity to deal with new and increasing threats.

“The change programme will inform how we shape, train, enable, equip and deploy our greatest asset – that is our workforce, our officers and staff – to best meet the evolving needs and complexities of our diverse communities at best value.

“Our primary investment will always be in police officers. As Chief Constable, entrusted with significant public funding, I have a duty to ensure I maximise the number of experienced officers available to the frontline through the right investment in non-warranted support.

“So we will carefully examine which roles can and should be done by police staff, enabling a wider range of people access to a policing career and allowing even more of our officers to return to frontline and operational policing roles.

“Our aim is – must be – to bring the frontline of Scottish policing to the strongest position possible within the resources available.

“I think that’s my duty as Chief Constable, I think it is what the Authority would expect and demand. Providing the highest possible level of safety and security with the funding available is what the people and communities of Scotland deserve and would expect.”

WATCH the meeting here

New Chief sets out her vision for policing

Scotland’s new Chief Constable Jo Farrell has outlined her vision to deliver effective policing for communities.

Chief Constable Farrell prioritised threat, harm and risk; prevention, problem solving and proactivity; and the wellbeing of officers and staff so they can deliver for the public.

Speaking at a Scottish Police Authority Board meeting in Edinburgh, the Chief Constable said she would progress a second phase of policing reform to deliver the full integration of Police Scotland while building even closer ties with public services to drive efficiency.

The Service is also reviewing senior posts and corporate services to ensure resources support frontline policing.

Chief Constable Farrell urged government to invest £128m in policing next year to continue reform of policing. She said the establishment of Police Scotland was a successful example of government spending to save, with policing returning £200m to the public purse every year compared to legacy arrangements.

Chief Constable Farrell said: “Reform of policing represented an innovative, ambitious and optimistic response to austerity and Police Scotland is now a national asset known for compassion and high standards.

“A changing, ageing population; a cost of living crisis driving vulnerability and pressure on other services; civil unrest; new laws and increasingly complex investigations all contribute to growing community need and increasing contacts to policing from the public.

“Police Scotland must focus intensely on our core duties and what matters to the people we serve. If what we do doesn’t protect the vulnerable from harm, prevent crime or support our officers and staff, we will challenge that and redirect resources.”

The Chief Constable also said officers must spend less time on mental health calls; in accident and emergency and attending court for trials that don’t happen.

She said: “Policing is determined to play our part in criminal justice reform – to make efficiencies, but more importantly deliver better service for the people we serve.

“We will make appropriate use of direct measures at the lowest end of offending so the entire system can focus on delivering justice in the more serious cases.

“We will work with the Scottish Government and the Crown Office to capture digital evidence, including on body worn video, and share the evidence to support better and quicker court outcomes.

“At the same time, policing must redefine our responsibilities around mental health.

“We must respond to people in crises but policing is not the best agency to provide people living with poor mental health with all the care and support they need and deserve.

“Officers should not routinely be performing welfare checks or sitting in hospital waiting rooms for lengthy periods of time.”

The Chief Constable said £128m including an uplift to capital funding would restart officer recruitment for the year ahead; fund the cost of this year’s 7% pay award for officers and staff and make a credible offer next year; enable a programme of voluntary retirement and redundancy; and rapidly reshape Police Scotland to deliver more savings in years ahead while ensuring effective service.

Chief Constable Farrell added: “Without funding over and above flat cash, we will be unable to recruit police officers in 2024-25. My experience in England is that would significantly impact community policing and proactivity like drugs raids.”

Watch Chief Constable Farrell’s report here.

New Chief sets out her priorities for Police Scotland

Scotland’s new Chief Constable Jo Farrell promised to prioritise trust, confidence, high performance, and officer and staff wellbeing as she took command of the national police service today (Monday, 9 October).

Chief Constable Jo Farrell pictured smiling in front of a police vehicle outside Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.

Chief Constable Farrell made a commitment to focus on threat, harm, and risk, and on prevention and problem solving, during a swearing in ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.

She also committed to prioritising the wellbeing of Police Scotland’s officers and support staff.

Chief Constable Farrell said: “I believe passionately in the value policing brings to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems, and reducing offending. We stand up for and with our communities, which strengthens them, improves their wellbeing, and allows them to prosper.

“My operational focus is on threat, harm, and risk. Police Scotland will focus on prevention, problem solving and proactivity, and on looking after our hard-working officers and staff so our people can deliver our vital public service.

“Police Scotland is a highly credible public sector organisation known for its compassion and it attracts huge public support. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of so many talented, professional, and courageous police officers, staff, and volunteers.”

Chief Constable Farrell also underlined her determination to drive an anti-discriminatory agenda after former Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone’s statement that Police Scotland was institutionally discriminatory.

She said: “I know the acknowledgement of institutional discrimination is a difficult message for many dedicated and honourable officers and staff.

“Having considered Sir Iain’s reasons, I agree Police Scotland is institutionally discriminatory. People with different backgrounds or experiences, including our officers and staff, have not always received the service that is their right.

“The onus is on us to challenge bad behaviour and prejudice, address gaps and eradicate bias, known or unwitting, at every level. Our Policing Together programme drives this moral, legal and operational imperative so that we maintain and build confidence with all communities.

“I will bring my support and leadership to this work and our success will be measured by the improved experiences of our officers and staff, and of the public.”

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: “I am delighted that the new Chief Constable Jo Farrell has been appointed to the role. It is very clear from the rigorous selection process, led by the Scottish Police Authority, that she has the leadership and skills that are essential to head our national police service and to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“There is much to be proud of within the UK’s second biggest police service – which is in a strong place as the new Chief takes up her role.

“Police Scotland’s officers and staff and their commitment to serving our communities are the bedrock of the service’s success. From crime, road policing, missing persons, prevention, partnership, dealing with increasing vulnerability in communities, and many other areas – their work should be a source of pride and confidence for our country.

“Both the First Minister and I look forward to formally welcoming the new Chief. I am sure we will forge a strong partnership, founded on a shared desire to continue the delivery of sustainable excellence within Scotland’s police service.”

Scottish Police Authority Chair Martyn Evans said: “The Authority is delighted the new Chief Constable is now in post and we look forward to working closely with her and the wider leadership team in the months ahead.”

Chief Constable Farrell led Durham Constabulary as Chief since 2019 having been Deputy since 2016 and having served in Northumbria Police since 2002. She started her career in Cambridgeshire Police in 1991.

Justice of the Peace Gillian Thomson accepted the Declaration of a Constable, an oath set out in law that every holder of the office of Constable in Scotland promises to faithfully discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, diligence, and impartiality, and to uphold human rights and accord equal respect to all people.

This morning, Chief Constable Farrell chaired a meeting with the Force Executive to set out her priorities and approach before meeting with probationary Constables and hosting a virtual session with Divisional Commanders in the afternoon.

Chief Constable Farrell’s leadership follows the retirement from policing of Sir Iain in August, following 31 years’ service, including six as Chief.