community safety – Page 10 – The NEN

Operation Moonbeam: Police Scotland working to keep communities safe during fireworks season

Local and national resources from Police Scotland will again come together to keep communities across the country safe during the weekends of Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night.

Local area commanders the length and breadth of the country, in collaboration with Divisional Commanders, have designed policing plans for scheduled events and to take into account sporadic incidents.

These plans will be enhanced with national resources, including tactically-located specially trained public officers, if required, who will deploy in support of colleagues where required.

A policing operation under the name Moonbeam has been stood up since 2018 in response to significant public disorder and anti-social behaviour in 2017, which included targeted attacks on the blue light services responding to emergency calls on what is typically one of the busiest periods of the year.

It has been activated as both a reassurance for communities, our officers and their colleagues, and as a deterrent to those who may set out to cause disorder and engage in criminality.

Since the operation was first instigated there have been decreases in the levels of disorder witnessed around these events, including in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic substantially curtailed the number of organised fireworks displays which were held.

The Executive Lead for Operation Moonbeam, Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, said: “Both Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night fall on weekends this year, which also land during our policing operation for the COP26 climate change conference taking place in Glasgow.

“While this will undoubtedly be a time of exceptional demand on the police, and all of our emergency services colleagues, I can assure the public and our partners that we are fully committed to responding to any disorder which may occur as a result of these annual events.

“Owing to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 , there are far fewer organised events taking place this year, but be assured plans are in place to manage any problematic unauthorised events which may occur.

“I encourage those who are parents to young people to speak clearly and seriously to them about the potential for personal injury when handling fireworks, as well as the devastating damage they can cause to property. In addition, anti-social behaviour and violence can have life-long consequences, including a criminal record, regardless of their age.

“We absolutely will not tolerate our officers, or our colleagues in the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service, being lured into situations where they face being subjected to violent attacks.

“We will do all we can to prevent these incidents occurring in the first place, but should they happen, we will respond in whatever means necessary to keep our people and our communities safe.”

Improved ID cards for Police Scotland personnel

Police officers and staff in Scotland are being provided with improved and updated identification.

The new warrant and authorisation cards include additional security features which make them more difficult to replicate.

Officers and staff are also being encouraged to provide a clear, up to date, photograph for use on the cards and, where images are over 10 years old, a new image is required.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “The provision of new warrant and authorisation cards is an important opportunity to ensure identification includes clear, up to date, images of officers and staff.

“The new identification also includes enhanced security features which makes it harder to replicate.

“Officers work all across Scotland, every minute of every day to help people and will approach any member of the public who appears distressed or vulnerable, to offer support and assistance.

“The onus is on policing to build and maintain the public confidence and consent critical to our legitimacy and our ability to keep our communities and citizens safe.

“Officers will always carry identification and will be happy to provide further reassurance about who they are and their reason for speaking with someone if requested, including through the new verification process introduced on 2 October.”

The new warrant and authorisation cards feature the Police Scotland logo, a hologram and the signature of Chief Constable Iain Livingstone.

The cards have been developed over a number of months and will be rolled-out in the coming weeks.

Children nationwide taking steps to reduce air pollution

Pupils across Scotland will take steps to reduce local air pollution by walking to school during International Walk to School Month this October.
Currently around 45 per cent of pupils in Scotland walk to school.
Living Streets is encouraging pupils to #WalkForTheWorld this October.

Thousands of children across Scotland will take steps to reduce local air pollution by walking to school during International Walk to School Month this October.

Living Streets, the charity behind the walk to school campaign in the UK, is encouraging families to leave the car at home for the school run and instead join pupils globally who are celebrating the benefits of walking and wheeling to school during October.

The latest data for Scotland shows that around 45 per cent of pupils in Scotland currently walk to school.

Stephen Edwards, Interim Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “Swapping our short car journeys for walking or wheeling is an easy way to reduce air pollution, fuel consumption and congestion, and the journey to school is a great place to start.

“One in four cars on the road at morning peak hours are on the school run, despite the vast majority of families living less than two miles from their nearest school. Choosing cleaner ways to travel will help improve the air we breathe and help children to meet the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day needed to stay fit, healthy and happy.

“International Walk to School Month is an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy the benefits of walking to school.”

Living Streets is running a social media challenge for schools and families throughout October. Pupils are asked to choose an animal or natural habitat endangered by climate change and walk, wheel, scoot, cycle or Park & Stride to school to protect it.

Families and schools can then share their #WalkForTheWorld images on social media to be entered into a prize draw with prizes available for schools and families.

To find out more about International Walk to School Month and to enter the prize draw, visit livingstreets.org.uk/IWTSM

Crimestoppers Scotland receives record number of calls

Over the past year (1^st April 2020-31^st March 2021) independent charity Crimestoppers Scotland and their youth programme Fearless received a record 16,500 calls and contacts from the Scottish public.

This increase sees the most disseminations to Police Scotland and Law Enforcement ever – representing a 10% increase in crime information compared to 19/20 and a 65% increase over five years.

Responding to school and youth service closures, Fearless delivered 12 Scotland-wide campaigns focused on empowering young people with key information about high harm crimes.

Over 58,000 young people from all across Scotland visited the charity’s youth website Fearless.org and reported crime – 100% anonymously – more than ever before.

Information from the public also achieved:

549 Criminals arrested and charged (thanks to Police Scotland & Law Enforcement)
Three people were arrested and charged with murder/unlawful killings.
‘Street’ Value of drugs recovered £1,479,599. Nearly ONE AND A HALF MILLION.
Six Wanted Persons and Fugitives were arrested and charged.
27 disqualified and uninsured drivers were arrested and charged.
Five arrested for possession of a firearm and five firearms recovered.

Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers Scotland, said: ‘The past year has been unprecedented and very challenging, but people across Scotland came forward and trusted us with their information.

“From drug dealing to child harm and neglect, we heard from thousands of people concerned about crime in communities. We are so encouraged and grateful for the people who contacted our charity – thanks to the Scottish public, life is better for many and communities are safer.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie (Partnerships, Prevention and Community Wellbeing) said: “We want the public to know they can trust us when they come to us with information, we take their reports seriously and carry out thorough investigations into incidents or crimes that may be reported.

“We also understand though that speaking to the police in person about certain situations can be daunting for some. In that respect, Crimestoppers is an essential partner for Police Scotland, enabling people to submit information anonymously and allowing that information to be shared with us quickly.

“We’re also grateful to Fearless for its ongoing survey giving young people a chance to speak about what they think about crime and how safe they feel in their communities. Their input will help shape our approach and interactions with young people for the future.’’

Ash Denham MSP, Minister for Community Safety said: “The Scottish Government is committed to tackling crime in Scotland by working across the country with partners, such as Crimestoppers, to help communities remain safe and resilient where people can live their lives safe from crime and harm.

“By picking up the phone and contacting Crimestoppers you can help to prevent, detect and solve crime. The number of reports to Crimestoppers has reached a record high in the past 12 months.

“This has been of particular importance and value during these challenging times and I would like to thank them sincerely for the part they play in helping keep people in Scotland safe.”

Vaccine certification scheme comes into effect today

Proof of status now needed at higher risk venues

The Coronavirus vaccine certification scheme comes into effect today in Scotland meaning people will have to show proof of their vaccination status to enter some events and higher risk venues.

People attending a range of late night venues and larger indoor and outdoor live events, such as music festivals or large sporting events, will be required to show staff their Covid status. This can be done via the NHS Scotland Covid Status App released yesterday on their mobile device or using the paper certificate.

Following consultation with businesses affected a grace period has been agreed until Monday October 18th before the scheme is legally enforced. The legal requirement for businesses to keep information about certification status confidential and not use it for other purposes comes into effect today.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “We know from expert public health analysis that we must do all we can to stem the rise in cases and reduce the pressure on the NHS.

“Vaccine certificates have a role to play as part of a wider package of measures. They add a further layer of protection in certain higher risk settings.

“This is a very limited scheme and we hope this will allow businesses to remain open and prevent any further restrictions as we head into autumn and winter.

“I would encourage people to to download the NHS Scotland Covid Status App and help our drive to keep the virus under control.

“Scotland is not unique in introducing such an approach. Certification schemes are in place across Europe, including Ireland and France, and the Welsh Government is also planning similar measures.

“I also want to ensure that as many people get vaccinated as possible and particularly to increase uptake in the younger age cohort, so anything that helps to incentivise that is helpful.”

The Scottish Government will continue to work with the sectors affected and updated guidance has been published to help ensure the smooth introduction of the scheme.

People in Scotland can download the NHS Scotland Covid Status App via their mobile device. A paper certificate or the downloadable PDF is also available from NHS Inform.

The Regulations which came into force at 5am today and must be reviewed every three weeks as part of the wider review of Coronavirus Regulations.

There are currently no plans to introduce certification for the wider hospitality industry but this will be kept under review over the autumn and winter months.

Exemptions to the scheme include under 18s, participants in vaccine trials, as well as people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons and people working or performing in the venues.

Officials are currently working with other UK jurisdictions to help ensure people vaccinated outside Scotland can still enter the venues affected with proof of their vaccine status.

The NHS Scotland Covid Status App is available for download from NHS Inform:

NHS Scotland COVID Status | NHS inform

Businesses can use the free NHS Scotland Covid Check App to verify the QR codes on official Covid Certificates:

www.covidcheck.scot

Consultation: modernising our fire and rescue services

The future role of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as it adapts to meet new challenges is at the heart of a new consultation.

The overriding purpose of SFRS will remain the protection of communities, preventing fires and reducing their impact on society while maintaining the safety and mental wellbeing of staff.

However, the consultation will ask the public about the increasing impact of climate change and the need for SFRS to take account of greater risks from flooding and wildfires.

The importance of SFRS making a full contribution to the Scottish Government’s Net Zero emissions targets will also be highlighted at a time when Glasgow is preparing to host the COP26 environment conference in November.

Supporting the modernisation of SFRS and investing to allow it to expand its community safety and prevention work is a key commitment in the Programme for Government.

Other key issues in the consultation on an updated Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland include:

use of new technology and modernisation of facilities and equipment
effective use of resources
keeping rural communities safe

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “Throughout the pandemic SFRS has been at the forefront of our response in meeting the needs of local communities in any way they are able to, from delivering prescriptions and food to using rural fire stations as Covid testing sites.

“In addition to the challenges which Covid recovery brings, Scotland is also facing significant changes as a result of EU exit, climate change, population changes and the expectations the public holds for all public services.

“All organisations need to adapt to these new demands and this framework will pave the way for further evolution, just as the challenges faced by SFRS continue to evolve.

“While the challenges Scotland faces are ever more complex, they also serve to foster opportunities for dynamic public sector organisations like SFRS to flourish and we encourage everyone who has an interest in this important consultation to have their say.”

Take part in the consultation.

Crime: Justice Secretary hails ‘very positive trends’

Crimes in four key areas down in the past year

Recorded crime remains at one of the lowest levels in nearly 50 years, according to the latest annual statistics.

Official figures show that the total number of crimes recorded by Police Scotland in the past year was 246,511 – one of the lowest levels of recorded crime since 1974.

Overall, that figure is down by five crimes from the previous year. However, taking into account the 20,976 crimes recorded under Coronavirus related legislation, compared to just 107 towards the end of 2019-20, other crime categories have collectively decreased by 8% in the past year.

Between 2019-20 and 2020-21 recorded crime fell in four key areas:

non-sexual crimes of violence decreased by 4%, from 9,316 to 8,972. This includes the recording of 1,641 crimes under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 in 2020-21, the second year this legislation has been in place
sexual crimes decreased by 2% from 13,364 to 13,131
crimes of dishonesty decreased by 19%, from 111,409 to 89,731, the lowest level since 1971
fire-raising and vandalism decreased by 10% from 47,731 to 42,964. The recording of these crimes is at the lowest level seen since 1975

The National Statistics Recorded Crime in Scotland 2020-21 bulletin – which includes a new chapter on cyber-crime – estimated that 14,130 cyber-crimes were recorded by the police in Scotland in 2020-21, almost double the 2019-20 figure.

Part of this increase may be due to the significant impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including behavioural changes such as increased online shopping.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “By all main measures crime, including violent crime, is now considerably lower than it was a decade ago, with fewer victims. These statistics show how crime in areas like vandalism and dishonesty – the sorts of crime that affects peoples’ everyday lives – has fallen, with levels not seen since the 1970s.

“There is still work to be done as the figures on cybercrime show – which is why we have this year published a prevention, awareness and enforcement strategy to make Scotland an inhospitable place for scammers.

“And while COVID-19 has no doubt had an impact on the figures, recorded crime was on a downward trend beforehand and through the measures we recently announced out in our Programme for Government – we will continue to make Scotland a safe place to live.

“It sets out how we intend to transform the way in which justice services are delivered, moving away from the use of custody for those who don’t pose a risk of serious harm, while protecting the police resource budget in real terms for the entirety of the Parliament.

“Overall, these very positive trends are testimony not just to the hard work of Police Scotland but to the vital support the Scottish Government has put in place to enable officers to do their jobs effectively.”

Read the full statistical release.

Herbert Protocol goes nationwide

Police Scotland is encouraging the friends and family of people living with dementia to sign up to the Herbert Protocol.

On Tuesday – International Alzheimer’s Day – Police Scotland adopted a single national process to help officers quickly obtain information about a vulnerable missing person who has dementia, saving vital time in the early stages of an investigation.

The national implementation of the Herbert Protocol has been developed in partnership with Police Scotland, Health and Social Care Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Carers or family members can download the Herbert Protocol form from the Police Scotland website, or request a copy from local Health & Social Care Partnership staff, or other agencies, including Alzheimer Scotland.

The form is completed in advance and generally kept in the person’s home or with relatives. It holds personal details, a description, a recent photograph, languages spoken, as well as previous addresses, places of employment and other significant locations in someone’s life. This can include their old school, a church, or a favourite walking route, plus their medical history and information about past incidents of going missing.

While the Herbert Protocol is in use in a number of Scottish policing divisions, a single form is now available nationwide to optimise the police response to locate the person and return them home, safe and well, as quickly as possible.

The Herbert Protocol form can be used together with Alzheimer Scotland Purple Alert, a free app designed to help finding missing people with dementia. If someone is missing, users will get notified via the app and can help with local searches.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie (Partnerships, Prevention and Community Wellbeing) said: “When a person goes missing, the first hour is vitally important. Previously, we would have spent a significant amount of time gathering information from family, friends or carers, but being able to give officers a completed Herbert Protocol form saves valuable minutes and hours.

“We hope that families who choose to complete a form will never have to use them. But if they do, having that completed form to hand gives relatives or carers peace of mind that they’re providing the police with detailed, relevant information to enable us to send officers to places where your loved one may be.

“We are completely committed to protecting vulnerable people from harm and having the Herbert Protocol in place Scotland-wide is a significant step towards keeping people safe.

Morag Francis is a carer for her mum, who has a dementia diagnosis. Her family has already completed a Herbert Protocol form.

Morag explained: “We did it as a little project with Mum, because it was about her life, so it turned into a bit of a reminiscence session, so we could pinpoint areas that were still important to her.

“We could guess most of them because she did talk a lot about the past, but we wanted to make sure we’d thought of all the areas she might turn up at because that’s where she remembered.

“To me it’s my insurance document, because I appreciate if we couldn’t find her the levels of stress would be incredible and we wouldn’t really be able to think straight.

“Everyone in the family who’s on the form as a contact has the Herbert Protocol saved in their emails, so if something did happen we would have very quick and easy access to it on our phones and we could email it to whoever needed it.

“Having that ready to go is very reassuring to me as her daughter. It’s really important to have it there, just in case.”

Alzheimer Scotland Deputy Director Joyce Gray said: “Alzheimer Scotland is fully committed to our partnership with Police Scotland, and delighted to endorse any opportunities to support families to use the Herbert Protocol.

“The Herbert Protocol and Purple Alert will help us to make people living with dementia safer in Scotland. We are proud of the partnership and in these world leading initiatives which help support our communities.”

Kevin Stewart, Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care, said: “Having a loved one with dementia go missing is a very stressful time for families, friends and carers and the priority is to find the person safe and well and as quickly as possible.

“The Herbert Protocol is a straight-forward way for families and carers to provide all the necessary information easily and efficiently in one form which will save vital time in missing person enquiries.

“I welcome the national roll-out of this partnership which is being taken forward by Police Scotland, Health and Social Care Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, Scottish Care and the Scottish Government.”

Judith Proctor, chair of the Chief Officers’ Group, Health and Social Care Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be a key partner supporting the national roll out of the Herbert Protocol.

“Care professionals across health and social care partnerships in Scotland will be encouraging and supporting family and friends of people at risk of going missing to complete and hold onto this simple form. It’s another proactive way we can all work together in our communities, helping to keep people safe.”

L to R: ACC Gary Ritchie, Ch Supt Linda Jones, Tommy Petillo (Alzheimer Scotland), Supt Norrie Conway, Karen Thom (Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership)

Week-long Drug Drive Campaign sees 42 drivers arrested

More than 100 roadside drug screening tests were conducted during a Drug Driving Campaign carried out by Police Scotland.

The campaign ran from August 23 to 29 when officers conducted a total of 109 roadside drug screening tests across Scotland, resulting in 42 drivers being arrested for providing a positive test. Blood samples were subsequently obtained from those arrested and sent for further analysis.

Officers from Greater Glasgow Road Policing, who deployed in support of the campaign observed a man driving using his mobile phone. When stopped he admitted to having consumed cannabis and the subsequent roadside drug test was positive for cannabis and cocaine. Following his arrest, a blood sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw said: “Despite roadside drug testing being in place for almost two years and our continued efforts to raise awareness of the dangers associated with taking drugs and driving, our officers continue to detect drug driving offences far too regularly.

“Driving after taking drugs can have serious or even fatal consequences, impacting not only the driver but all those involved including family and friends.

“Police Scotland are committed to taking action against those who selfishly put others at risk by driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs. I would encourage people to report drink or drug drivers or concerning behaviour to us, officers will act on this information to stop offenders before they injure or kill themselves or someone else.”

New fund to support survivors of gender-based violence

More than 120 projects across Scotland will share £38 million to support survivors of gender-based violence and focus on prevention.

The Delivering Equally Safe Fund (DES) is a new two-year funding programme to support third sector organisations and public bodies contribute to the objectives, priorities, and outcomes of the Equally Safe strategy.

The Fund includes more than £28 million for frontline services which provide direct support to women and girls, prioritising services that maximise their safety and wellbeing.

The two-year fund has also been increased by an additional £1 million per year to support projects which focus on early intervention and preventative measures.

Funding will be distributed to 121 projects, including Respect, which provides helpline services for perpetrators of domestic abuse, Kingdom Abuse Survivors project and Moray Women’s Aid.

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Violence against women and girls is appalling and unacceptable which is why we are funding organisations that are tackling the issue head on, including frontline services that support survivors and get to the root of abusive behaviour.

“These organisations are offering new and innovative ways to aid recovery, encourage education, and increase prevention awareness.

“I am also pleased that we have been able to increase our funding by more than £1 million a year more than our original fund to increase our support to these important initiatives.

“I look forward to seeing the results of the important the work that Equally Safe Fund will deliver.”

Melanie Wood, from Moray Women’s Aid said: “We are delighted to receive funding through the Delivering Equally Safe fund. It will allow us to continue to deliver essential services to vulnerable women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse when they most needed it.

“The funding will support the work of our Community Outreach Project and the Children and Young Person’s Service.”