Keeping Scotland Safe and Strong - A Consultation on Reforming Police and Fire and Rescue Services in Scotland: Analysis of Consultation Responses

2. A MODERN PURPOSE FOR POLICING

Question 1: What are your views on how we might strengthen the proposed purpose? Should the purpose be set out in national guidance, or in some other way?

Summary of the proposal in the consultation document:

• Establish a modern purpose for policing in 21^st century Scotland which will be a declaration of the outcomes policing is seeking to achieve and will include some broad strategic principles for delivering them.

2.1 84 respondents from the following respondent categories addressed this question.

Respondent category	Number of respondents	Respondent category	Number of respondents
Pol Force	6	LA	24
PB	6	Vol	3
Pol Org	10	CPP	4
FRS		NHS	1
FB		Oth	16
Fire Org		Individuals	14

Note: Abbreviations used in the above table are described in Table 1.

Strengthening the purpose

2.2 26 respondents from a range of sectors broadly agreed with the proposals including the suggested wording for a modern purpose of policing:

"The purpose of policing is to improve the safety and well-being of individuals, families and communities in Scotland."

This wording was viewed as being "clear and brief, focusing on the outcomes" (LA); in line with the Christie Commission recommendations (Pol Force) and supporting an emphasis on prevention (LA).

2.3 25 respondents, again from a range of sectors, did not support the proposed wording for a modern purpose of policing. The most common criticisms were:

• Too broad and vague.
• Too generic. Does not convey a distinct police purpose. It could apply equally to other public sector organisations.
• Too open to individual interpretation.

The proposed wording was viewed as "uninspiring" (Ind), incorporating an "unspecific set of aspirations" (PB) and "not memorable" (CPP, LA).

2.4 5 respondents (2 of them police organisations) argued that it was not necessary to establish the purpose of policing, which was perceived as "well respected and understood by every police officer" (Pol Org).

2.5 Many suggestions were made for additional text to insert into the modern purpose of policing. Most common requests were for explicit mentions of:

• partnership working
• prevention
• protection
• detection and investigation of crime.

4 respondents urged that explicit reference be made to improving safety for organisations and businesses. 3 respondents requested that the modernised purpose make reference to the protection of human rights.

Setting out the purpose

2.6 39 respondents provided a view on where the purpose should be set out, with 26 of these favouring national guidance. This was seen as facilitating widespread understanding of the purpose and allowing for flexibility in amending the purpose in the future. 11 respondents recommended that the purpose be given a statutory footing. 2 respondents wished to see the purpose set out in either national guidance or legislation.

Question 2: What are your views on our plans to retain existing functions in a modern form and on our proposals to modernise the oath?

Summary of the proposal in the consultation document:

• Retain all of the duties placed on police constables under the 1967 Act in the reform legislation, but restate and reframe them using more modern language.

2.7 76 respondents from the following respondent categories addressed this question.

Respondent category	Number of respondents	Respondent category	Number of respondents
Pol Force	11	LA	23
PB	6	Vol	5
Pol Org	10	CPP	3
FRS		NHS
FB		Oth	3
Fire Org		Individuals	15

Note: Abbreviations used in the above table are described in Table 1.

Retention of functions

2.8 44 respondents stated that they agreed with the plans to retain existing functions in a modern form. The proposal was viewed as aiding clarity and transparency. The most common recommendations for updating the existing functions were for a greater focus on:

• partnership working
• working with communities
• early intervention and prevention functions.

No respondents argued for retention of functions without modernisation.

Modernising the oath

2.9 62 respondents provided a view on the proposals to update the oath, with 37 of these favouring modernisation. The proposed inclusion of wording relating to fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality was particularly welcomed by 9 respondents. 6 respondents requested that the wording should also accommodate some reference to accountability to communities. 2 respondents called for explicit reference to the protection of human rights.

2.10 Police bodies (forces, Police Authorities/Joint Boards and organisations) were disproportionate amongst the 25 respondents wishing to see the current oath retained. Common arguments in support of this view were that the oath had stood the test of time, had a link with the past and there was no clear evidence to suggest it should be changed.

2.11 Summary

• Support was expressed for setting out the purpose of policing in national guidance.
• There were mixed views on the proposed wording for a modern purpose for policing
• The majority view was for the retention of existing functions in a modern form.
• The balance of view was in favour of the police oath being modernised.