Tag: Police Scotland

Policing in Scotland: listening to seldom heard communities

FUNDING FOR FIVE PROJECTS TO IMPROVE ENGAGEMENT

The Scottish Institute for Policing Research (SIPR), Police Scotland, and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), have joined together to provide £62,000 to fund projects which will support the police to improve engagement with seldom heard communities.

The term ‘seldom-heard’ refers to communities which are historically under-represented and may be less likely to engage with police for a variety reasons (including race, religion, sexuality, disability, and age, as well as communities isolated through geography or economic disadvantage).

Dr Megan O’Neill, SIPR Associate Director and Lead for the Police-Community Relations network said: “The focus of these grants is to understand seldom heard communities and emphasise the role of police, researchers, and policy makers in building effective and meaningful connections.

“Many of these communities feel they are not being listened to, and we have an important role to play in support research which will ensure their voices are heard; their needs are met; and their perspectives are understood.”

Following a successful public event in May 2021, which saw almost 200 attendees come together to explore public confidence in Police Scotland for seldom heard communities, SIPR, Police Scotland and the SPA launched the ‘Seldom Heard Community Grants’ and invited all interested parties to apply for funding for projects which would support Police Scotland to further enhance its support to these communities.

Fifteen applications were received from UK-based researchers and were subject to a rigorous assessment via an award panel which consisted of senior Scottish academics, senior police officers and staff, and senior representatives from the Scottish Police Authority.

The field was highly competitive; however, it was agreed that five applications selected stood out for the relevance of their focus; innovative approaches; and robust methodologies. 

Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins, who led this work for Police Scotland said: “It is really positive to have received so many applications of such good quality and of varying subject matters to assist Police Scotland in improving engagement with seldom heard communities. 

“This is an extremely important area of work for Police Scotland, and I look forward to receiving the outcomes from the research.”

Amanda Coulthard,  Head of Strategy & Performance at Scottish Police Authority, said: “We were delighted with the range of applications received for this fund, which focuses on improving engagement with groups who may be seldom heard.  

“The SPA commitment to policing in the public interest means it is critical we work to understand any possible barriers to engagement from seldom heard groups, and seek to evolve practice”.

Our congratulations go to:

Dr John Mendel (University of Dundee) who will lead the project ‘Inquiring together: Collaborative Research with BAME communities and serving officers’.

Dr Mendel will work with Dundee City and Aberdeenshire Councils, as well as the Scottish Refugee Council to support police officers to engage, as co-inquirers (utilising action research), with people who are seldom heard: refugees, migrants and those from BAME communities in Dundee, Glasgow and Aberdeenshire.

This will allow a set of policing guidelines to be developed by the community of police officers and the BAME and migrants working together.

Dr Andrew Williams (St Andrew’s University) as Principal Investigator for the research project ‘To be seen and heard: developing photovoice as a method for the police to engage with young people in underserved communities”.

Working with the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, the Wallacetown Strategic Community Partnership, and the University of Exeter Relational Health Group, this project aims to support the police in adopting creative methods to engage young people in an area of significant economic disadvantage and understand the places and people that matter to them. 

Dr Julie Berg (University of Glasgow) who will head up the project “Accounting for Complexities: an Intersectional Approach to Enhancing Police Practitioner Accountability, Legitimacy & Sustainable Reform” which aims to develop an intersectional good practice tool kit through which Police Scotland can better engage with seldom heard communities in order to underpin sustainable reform and improved accountability mechanisms.

Professor Jim Moir (Abertay University) who will lead the project ‘Hearing seldom heard groups: Policing with empathy in conversation with LGBT and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds’.

Delivered in collaboration with the Articulate Cultural Trust (a charity which supports young people to enable creativity) and Dundee City Council, this research aims to not only explore the experiences of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds where there may also be intersectional aspects at play (e.g., (LGBT-Q identifications) in encounters with the police, but also to examine the extent to which empathy and understanding of different seldom heard voices is apparent in Police Scotland.

Dr Nicole Vidal (Queen Margaret University) as Principal Investigator for ‘Refugee and asylum-seeker experiences, trust and confidence with Police Scotland’ which will collaborate with third sector organisations that provide psychological support to refugees and asylum seekers with the aim of building an understanding of the quantity and quality of refugees’ social networks and their role in influencing engagement with the police.

Dr Liz Aston, Director of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, which will administer these grants, said: “The projects funded through the Seldom Heard Community scheme will explore some of the most pressing issues facing police-community relationships today.

“While the research will explore Scottish experiences and examples, they represent challenges being faced globally within policing. There is enormous potential for these projects to impact current policing policies and practices, and SIPR is looking forward to working with all five teams to support this wherever possible.”

For more information on these grants, or about the work of SIPR, please visit our website at sipr.ac.uk

Tynecastle disturbance: nine men arrested

Nine men have been arrested and charged in connection with a disturbance that occurred on McLeod Street, outside Tynecastle Stadium at around 6pm on Saturday, 31 July, 2021.

The men, aged between 17 and 36, have been released on undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Chief Inspector Scott Richardson, Area Commander for Edinburgh South West, said: “While we have made a number of arrests in relation to this incident, our investigation is ongoing to identify those involved in the disorder.”

Police to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day – 10th September

To mark World Suicide Prevention Day Police Scotland has joined forces with partners to arrange a series of drop in events throughout Edinburgh, beginning on Sunday (5th September) at Middle Meadow Walk in the Meadows.

Sergeant Mark Innes from our Prevention, Intervention and Partnerships (PIP) team said:“Suicide should never be inevitable. 805 people died by probable suicide in Scotland in 2020 and we all have a part to play in preventing suicide: it is everyone’s business to help.

“Part of our role at the PIP is to raise awareness of the support provided by our partners in relation to suicide prevention and supporting people bereaved by suicide. We work closely with partners including Chris’s House, SAMH, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, Penumbra, Samaritans and many others through Edinburgh’s Health and Social Care Partnership and the Thrive Edinburgh network.

“In the days leading to 10th September we will be holding partnership information stalls throughout Edinburgh to raise awareness of the support available and let people know where they can get help if needed.

A list of where we will be and when will be published soon.Talking can save lives and we hope that we can encourage people to seek support from the people that are best placed to help.”

Armed robbery at second tanning salon – this time it’s D’ Mains

Detectives are appealing for information after a shop was robbed in Davidsons Mains.The robbery took place at a tanning salon in Main Street at around 11.40am yesterday (Wednesday, 1 September).

A man entered the shop and presented a knife at the shop assistant and demanded money. No-one was injured and he made off with a three-figure sum of money.

It’s the second tanning shop robbery in Edinburgh within days – a salon on Summer Place in Inverleith was robbed on Friday evening.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait of CID said: “Thankfully the member of staff working within the shop was unhurt, but extremely shocked by the incident.

“We are looking to trace a man described as being around 5’6” tall, of thin build. He was wearing a black beanie style hat, a black face mask, a black hooded top, black trousers rolled up to the knees and blue trainers.

“He left the shop on a BMX style bike, heading in the direction of Ferry Road.“We are carrying out a review of CCTV and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area to come forward. We would like to hear from motorists who have dash-cam, you may have captured something that could be of assistance to us.

“Anyone who has information that will assist this investigation is asked to contact us through 101 quoting reference number 1172 of 1 September, 2021. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

CCTV appeal following assault in Portobello High Street

Detectives in Edinburgh have released CCTV images of a man they believe may have information that could assist with their ongoing investigations into an assault on a woman. The incident occurred on Portobello High Street towards the junction of Sir Harry Lauder Road, Edinburgh, at around 00.45am on Sunday, 25 July, 2021.

The man officers believe may be able to assist them is described as being around 35 to 40 years old, 5ft 11ins, of average build and short hair. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing jeans and a navy top.

Detective Constable Neil Donaldson, said: “Fortunately this woman was not injured, but she was left extremely upset by what has happened and we are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the assault.

“In particular we would like to speak to the man pictured who was in the area at the time and may have further information to assist our enquiry. We would also ask anyone who was driving in the area and might have seen something that could help with our enquiries, or have dash-cam footage, to get in touch.

“If you can help please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0241 of Sunday, 25 July, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police seek information following serious assault in Grassmarket

Detectives are continuing enquiries and appealing for information after a serious assault which took place in the Grassmarket area on Sunday (29 August)

Around 5.45am a 25-year-old woman was with friends near to the junction of Cowgatehead and Victoria Street when she was approached by a group of three men and a woman. An altercation took place which resulted in the woman sustaining a broken wrist.

The victim attended the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and was released after treatment.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe of Gayfield CID said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and I am appealing to any witnesses to come forward.

“We believe the group involved in the assault made off along King Stables Road and I would urge anyone who may have seen a group of three men and a woman acting suspiciously to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident numer 1129 of Sunday, 29 August, 2021.

“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Witness appeal following ‘deliberate’ hit and run

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was struck by a car which then failed to stop. The incident happened on Restalrig Avenue near the junction with Craigentinny Avenue around 4.30pm on Friday (27 August).

A 34-year-old man was struck by a black Vauxhall Corsa car which had mounted the pavement before driving off.

The man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh later that evening for treatment to non-life threatening injuries.

Detective Inspector Jonny Wright of Gayfield CID said: “Our enquiries so far suggest the car was deliberately driven at the man and we are seeking further information in relation to the matter.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area around 4.30pm on Friday afternoon and may have witnessed the incident or hold any information in relation to the incident to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who may have seen a black Vauxhall Corsa car with collision damage since then to get in touch.

“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident 4357 of 27 August, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police appeal following armed robbery in Inverleith

Police are appealing for information following a robbery in Inverleith on Friday (27 August).​

At around 7.45pm a man entered a tanning salon on Summer Place and threatened the staff member with a knife before making off with a three figure sum of cash.​ The staff member was uninjured but left shaken as a result of the incident.​

The male suspect is described as being around 5ft 10in in height and thought to be in his early 20s. He was wearing a black beanie hat, a face mask with a pattern, a two toned grey hooded zipper and black joggers. He was riding a full suspension mountain bike.​

Detective Constable Zaira Marker of Corstorphine CID said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the Summer Place area around that time who witnessed anything to please come forward.​

“We would also appeal to any drivers who were in the area at the tie and who may have dash cam to review the footage and get in touch if you believe it may be able to assist us.”

​Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 3607 of 27 August. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Police issue lazer danger warning

Police Scotland has issued a warning to people not to shine LASER lights at aircraft following a number of recent incidents in the Edinburgh area.

In the last six to eight weeks, there have been four incidents reported to police where LASER lights have been shone into aircraft attempting to land in Edinburgh area.

In one incident last month, the pilot of an air ambulance transferring a seriously-ill patient to hospital in Edinburgh had to abandon the landing after a LASER light was shone into the cockpit for 30 seconds.

After trying to land a second time, and being targeted again, the pilot had no option but to divert his helicopter to Edinburgh Airport. Enquiries into this incident are continuing.

Inspector Graeme Rankin, of Police Scotland’s Aviation Safety Unit, said: “This was an incredibly reckless and dangerous act which could have resulted in the injury of a pilot who was trying to fly a helicopter with a sick patient on board.

“Not only is this clearly illegal, with the possibility of a custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine, it is exceptionally dangerous. Pilots can become temporarily blind at the most critical part of the flight while they are taking off and landing an aircraft which could have several hundred people on board.

“The consequences do not bear thinking about and we are determined to stop people from carrying out such obviously dangerous acts.

“We will do everything possible to track down, arrest and bring before the courts anyone who does this, but we are asking for the public’s help. If you see anyone shining a LASER light at an aircraft, you should call 999 immediately and report it to the police.”

Anyone who has any information about these, or any other incidents of a similar nature, is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 or report it anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Housebreaking numbers continue to fall in Edinburgh

Housebreaking in Edinburgh has continued to fall, despite COVID no longer significantly affecting reported crime.

Police Scotland has released its Q1 Management of Information data for the period of 1 April to 30 June, 2021, which shows that the total number of housebreaking incidents, including attempted break-ins has reduced from 504 to 343.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “While restrictions relating to the pandemic continue to have an impact on the policing needs of our communities, the effect is different compared to the same period last year, when the first lockdown had only recently been introduced and the most stringent measures were in place.”

Last year we saw fewer houses being broken into as criminals looked targeted businesses and outbuildings instead.  These crimes are now reducing whilst at the same time housebreakings to peoples’ homes have decreased by over 60% over the last 5 years. 

Housebreaking remains a key priority for the division and all incidents are investigated by the Capital’s dedicated Housebreaking Team.

Nationally, overall reported crime has risen from last year, when the country first entered lockdown. This trend is mirrored in Edinburgh, where 187 additional crimes were recorded in comparison to the first quarter of 2020/21.

Across Scotland violent crime has also risen, but this is not reflected within Edinburgh, which has seen an overall fall in violent offences from 206 to 193.

 This includes zero murders, compared to one last year, nine fewer serious assaults and 16 fewer incidents of robbery and assault with intent rob.  This number also includes threats and extortion which account for over 15% of those offences.

The majority of these are attempts to extort money through online scams.  These are often perpetrated overseas and establishing the nature and origin of the offending can be challenging.  Tackling this kind of offending is recognised within the force strategic plan as cyber enabled crime increases the need for specialist skills and strengthened ties with other law enforcement agencies across the globe.

The division is also bucking the trend in terms of a rise in fatal road collisions, with one fewer of these tragic incidents being reported. Whilst there has been an increase in serious and slight injury collisions as we have moved out of lockdown these remain far below the injuries recorded before the pandemic and we are committed to driving them down further.

Edinburgh is consistent with the rest of the country in relation to an increase in sexual crime, with the division also experiencing a rise in overall sexual offences. The increases in sexual crime are lower than the national average and reflect a significant proportion of historical offences which are identified through officers building trust and confidence in victims and encouraging them to come forward with previously unreported crimes.

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “Last year’s unprecedented circumstances saw the crime picture for both Edinburgh and Scotland being skewed.

“DCC Taylor has confirmed that we are seeing a continued rise in 999 calls as we keep moving towards a sense of normality and I echo her support for the officers and staff working in our C3 facilities.

“I am also grateful to my own officers and staff who continue to serve the city with distinction and professionalism in very trying times.

“My officers and I know that the public will recognise that last year was extraordinary.  We met those challenges and delivered excellent results.  This year as we return to some welcome normality it is pleasing to see that recorded crime remains below the 5 year average. 

“We will continue to effectively target our time and resources to address emerging trends in this post pandemic year.”