Former serving personnel in police custody are to be offered a referral to a specialist trauma-informed veteran support service.
The formal partnership between NOVA Scotland and Police Scotland Custody Centres will expand efforts to identify, engage with and support Scottish veterans, aiming to break down barriers, such as fear of stigma and shame, that currently prevent veterans in contact with the Scottish criminal justice system from disclosing their service or asking for help.
NOVA Scotland is delivered by the Forces Employment Charity, the UK’s leading provider of justice services to the veteran community.
The majority of former serving personnel transition well to civilian life, but for some, factors including poor physical or mental health, homelessness, debt or substance misuse can lead them into contact with the justice system.
All veterans referred from Police Scotland to NOVA Scotland will receive an individual needs assessment informing a bespoke care plan to address any issues they need support with. This will help to reduce the risk of reoffending and improve outcomes for the veterans, their families and communities.
Marielle Curran, Operations Manager for NOVA Scotland, said: “This partnership marks a pivotal step in ensuring veterans in police custody can access the trauma-informed, specialist support they need to rebuild and redirect their lives.
“Our work saves lives and transforms futures. However, early engagement is critical. Our collaboration with Police Scotland will improve outcomes for veterans, while supporting police and contributing to safer communities across Scotland.”
The partnership, secured by an Information Sharing Agreement, builds on the proven support NOVA Scotland has provided to veterans in contact with Police Scotland’s Vulnerable Persons Unit since 2024.
Chief Superintendent Chris Stewart, Criminal Justice Services Division, said: “This new partnership with NOVA Scotland will provide specialist support to veterans who come into police custody by addressing the underlying factors that brought them into contact with the criminal justice system.
“We recognise that many people in custody do not routinely engage with support services or with their GP – and they are often in crisis. Our national arrest referral scheme connects these vulnerable people with organisations that can help them with issues such as mental health, substance misuse, debt and homelessness.
“Our partnership with NOVA Scotland is a welcome addition to this successful scheme and will enable veterans and their families to get the appropriate treatment and support they need.”
By strengthening early identification and intervention for veterans when they come into contact with the justice system, the partnership directly supports the Scottish Veterans Commissioner’s recommendations in the 2024 report Veterans and the Law, specifically that there be a collaborative approach between statutory and third sector providers to prevent offending, support rehabilitation, and reduce reoffending.
Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton said: “I am delighted to see the development of this formal partnership between Police Scotland and NOVA Scotland, which reflects the recommendation in my ‘Veterans and the Law’ report that there be a collaborative approach between statutory and third sector providers to improve outcomes for the small minority of veterans who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
“By increasing access to effective, tailored support that recognises how service experience can shape behaviour, needs and identity, veterans facing complex challenges can be helped to get their lives back on track.
“In turn, this can help reduce the risk of reoffending, decrease the impact on potential victims and wider society, as well as delivering long-term value for the public purse.”
