Tag: Police Scotland

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.

Police seek info on Colinton robberies

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information following two robberies and an attempted robbery in the Colinton area on Saturday.

Around 7.40pm on Saturday, 7 October, a man entered shop premises on Bridge Road, threatened a male member of staff with a knife, and demanded money. The suspect then left the premises with a three-figure sum of cash before making off in the direction of Colinton Village.

The suspect is described as a being aged between 30 – 40, 6’2”, athletic build with a local Scottish accent. He was wearing a distinctive light grey Adidas hooded top with a neon green trim, white face covering, light-coloured gloves, dark trousers, and dark trainers.

Around 7.50am on Sunday, 8 October, a man entered shop premises on Colinton Road, threatened a female member of staff with a knife and demanded she hand over money and cigarettes. He left empty-handed.

Shortly after, around 8.30am, the same described man entered shop premises in Ashley Terrace, in possession of a knife, threatened the staff, and again demanded money. He left the premises with a three-figure sum of cash.

He was wearing a black and white coloured face covering with a skull and cross-bone design, a black hooded top with an orange t-shirt underneath. He also wore camouflaged coloured jogging bottoms, and black and red/pink shoes, and was carrying a white string bag secured on both shoulders.

Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper from Edinburgh Division CID said: “The members of staff in all three incidents have been left badly shaken and it is vital that we trace the person involved.

“Due to the physical description of the suspect involved and the proximity of the premises it is believed the incidents are linked.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the suspect in the surrounding areas before or after the incidents to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3529 of the 7 October, 2023.

Frederick Street assault: Police release CCTV image

POLICE have released an image of a man who may be able to assist with an enquiry into an assault which took place in Edinburgh on Sunday, 4 June, 2023. The incident took place around 12.20am on Frederick Street.

The man is described as being white, 19-25 years of age, around 5ft 8in in height, with short dark hair shaved at the sides and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing black skinny jeans, a white t-shirt with black writing, and black trainers with white soles.

Police Constable Jordan Cowie of Howdenhall Police Station said: “We are keen to speak to this man who may have information to assist with our enquiries. I would encourage him, or anyone who recognises him, to please contact us.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0360 of Sunday, 4th June, 2023, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Edinburgh’s First Female Police Driver Returns for Tour of Her Old Beat

A trailblazing woman, who was Edinburgh’s first ever female police driver, was welcomed back to her old beat on Friday (29 September), 70-years on from beginning her career.

Mary d’Arcy Kincaid, 91, broke gender barriers when she applied to become a trained police driver in 1956, having seen an advert encouraging officers to apply.

The advert had been intended to attract male applicants, but as no gender had been stated, Mary applied and following discussion with the Chief Inspector, she was accepted onto the course.

Mary would then go on to be one of four women from Scotland to take up a 12-month secondment opportunity in Cyprus in 1957 where she would help with the recruitment and training of female Cypriot officers, work within the control room and assist with the searching of women stopped at roadblocks. During this time she was promoted to Sergeant.

Upon her return to Edinburgh in 1958, she went back to working in the Southside before joining CID in 1960. In 1961, she was one of two women and four men selected to form the city’s Crime Team.

After leaving policing, Mary would later serve as a Magistrate in Westminster and now lives in Gloucestershire with her husband of 53 years.

Speaking of her time in uniform, Mary said: “I was so excited when I sat my entrance exams and passed, and so began my City of Edinburgh Police journey.  When the memo circulated inviting applications for police drivers, I thought, why not – after all, they had not specified male or female Constables, so took my chance. 

“I loved driving, and knew I could do it well, as part of my role.  Despite some reluctance from some colleagues, I couldn’t believe it when I was invited to go for my driver training.

“I passed with flying colours, and so my driving as a Police Constable began.  This really meant that I no longer needed a male Police Constable to drive me to a job, take a bus, or walk – I could drive one of the many CID vehicles.”

Senior officers, including Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond, were in attendance at St Leonards Police Station to greet Mary and her family before taking her on a tour of her former beat.

Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond paid tribute to the former officer for leading change for women in policing.

ACC Bond said: “Welcoming Mary and listening to her experiences and perspective was a real pleasure.

“Much has changed to improve the representation of women in all ranks and roles in policing over the course of the last few decades thanks to inspirational figures like Mary, quite literally, driving progress.

“Police Scotland is absolutely determined to continue to build on the progress led by trailblazers like Mary, to address sexism and discrimination in policing and across society and improve experiences for our officers and staff and the people who we serve,”

One week on, Martin still missing

Almost one week on from when he was last seen, police continue to appeal for information to trace 70-year-old Martin Sinnett who is missing from Edinburgh.

Officers are checking a possible sighting in Musselburgh in the High Street and Harbour area.

There is also a confirmed sighting of Martin around 6.35am on Tuesday, 26 September outside the motorbike training centre on Seafield Road, Edinburgh.

At that time, he was wearing a wide-brimmed hat. He was also wearing a distinctive kilt jacket, blue jeans and black trainers with white soles. Officers have released a CCTV image.

Inspector Mike Smith said: “We are extremely concerned for Martin’s wellbeing and just want to know he is safe and well.

“I would ask residents in these areas to check their gardens, sheds and outbuildings in case Martin has sought shelter. If anyone has seen Martin or has any information on his whereabouts, please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0708 of 26 September

More than 11,500 disclosures given to people at risk of domestic abuse

More than 11,500 disclosures have been made to tell people their partner has an abusive past, since Police Scotland launched a scheme eight years ago to help tackle domestic abuse.

The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland (DSDAS) launched on 1st October 2015, has received over 20,000 requests for information.

Of the 20,005 requests, 11,599 disclosures (58 per cent) have been made to tell people their current partner has a violent or abusive past.

‘a thousand words’ commissioned by Scottish Womens Aid and Zero Tolerance. Copyright Laura Dodsworth

Detective Superintendent Gillian Faulds, Police Scotland’s Head of Domestic Abuse, said: “Abusers manipulate and control their victims.

“Abuse can be gradual and it can be very difficult for victims of domestic abuse to recognise their situation and to then take action to end their relationship.

“The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland helps someone at risk of abuse consider their circumstances and make an informed choice about the future of that relationship.”

The scheme operates two pathways, the right to ask and the power to tell.

Under the Right to Ask, people who think their partner may have an abusive past, or their family and friends have concerns, are able to submit an application. Where lawful, proportionate and necessary, a disclosure can be made to the person at risk.

Under the Power to Tell, professionals including the police and partner agencies can apply for a disclosure to be made where they have reason to believe a person could be at risk of domestic abuse.

Detective Superintendent Faulds added: “If you’re a family member, a friend, a work colleague or even a neighbour and you think that someone you know is potentially at risk of harm from their current partner then you can make an application.

“Those at risk from domestic abuse who are told about a partner’s abusive past can then choose the course of action they wish to take, whether to end the relationship or continue it. Officers will always signpost those at risk to support and advice offered by our partners.

“All it takes is one person to alert us and we can help end the threat and harm caused by domestic abuse.”

Submitting a DSDAS application can be done online on the Police Scotland website, by calling 101, speaking to an officer or attending at a police station. Applications are processed within 45 days or sooner.

Appeal following incident on X55 bus 

Police Scotland have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist their enquires into an incident which occurred on a Stagecoach bus between Dunfermline and Edinburgh on Wednesday 12 October 2022 at approximately 4.20pm.

The man was travelling on the Stagecoach X55 bus having boarded the bus at Dunfermline bus station.

He is described as white, aged between 25 and 40, dark facial hair, wearing a dark hooded top, striped tracksuit bottoms and carrying a holdall type bag.

Police Scotland are appealing for the man pictured, or anyone who knows him to get in touch via 101 quoting incident reference number 2550 of 12 October 2022. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed anonymously.

Man jailed for sexual offence in Edinburgh

A man has been jailed for four years and three months after being convicted of a sexual offence in Edinburgh.

Antonio Pollio, 24, pleaded guilty to the offence involving a young female at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 21 August, 2023. He was sentenced at the same court yesterday (Thursday, 28 September).

Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper said: “Antonio Pollio is a dangerous man who manipulated and coerced a young female. He will now face the consequences of his actions.

“We treat all reports of sexual crime seriously and I would urge anyone who has been a victim to come forward, no matter how much time has passed, and report it to police.

“Be assured, we will fully investigate and you will be supported by police and our partner agencies.”

‘Hard choices’ for Police Scotland

Policing our communities update

Police Scotland has provided an update on urgent action to maintain effective policing within the funding available to the organisation.

Hard choices are being taken to deliver effective policing within the funding available and action is being taken to achieve savings, with areas which encounter the greatest demand, and which carry the greatest risk in keeping people safe, being prioritised for resources.

Deputy Chief Constable Designate Fiona Taylor QPM provided an overview of work to prioritise resources, to keep people safe and protect the vulnerable during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority Board in Glasgow yesterday (Thursday, 28 September).

DCC Taylor said: “As we have consistently highlighted over a period of months, hard choices are being taken to deliver effective policing within the funding available and action is being taken to achieve savings, co-ordinated through the Policing Our Communities programme.

“As I outlined during last month’s Board meeting, we have paused all police support staff recruitment, except for some business-critical areas such as our contact centres and custody suites. We are also reviewing our senior officer command structures and support services.

“We have outlined a proportionate response to crime pilot in our North East (A) Division.

“The police estate is also an area where efficiencies and improvements to buildings in the wrong place or in poor condition can deliver savings and further, necessary cost reduction is planned in relation to police buildings.

“We shared our outline proposals to accelerate disposal of a further 30 police buildings with the Scottish Police Resources Committee last week and we are now developing detailed plans for that work.

“We understand and we are sensitive to community concerns around closing police buildings, but it is important to underline that, as we consolidate our estate, we now have over 60 co-locations with partners, providing more sustainable, more modern, and safer workspaces for our people.

DCC Taylor added: “Of necessity, as part of our commitment to delivering a balanced budget we are closely assessing the officer recruitment profile for the remainder of 2023-24.”

DCC Taylor underlined that Police Scotland would continue to communicate the decisions being taken to maintain effective policing within the funding available.

Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, provided a joint submission to the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee as part of the pre-budget scrutiny process. This submission contains some estimates of police officer and staff numbers should future budgets be flat cash.

Police Scotland returns more than £200m to the public purse every year compared to legacy arrangements.

The Scottish Government’s budget for 2023-24 confirmed an £80m core funding uplift for policing, with £37m required to fund the ongoing cost of the 2022-23 pay award, leaving £43m to fund unavoidable pay and other inflationary costs for the current financial year.

Watch and listen to DCC Taylor’s update here from 31 mins and 20 seconds.