Strategic police priorities

Strategic Police Priorities for Scotland

We committed within the 2018-19 Programme for Government to review the Strategic Police Priorities (SPPs) this year, following a 3 year period in which the policing system has continued to develop, and the leadership and governance at the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) and Police Scotland has been strengthened.

The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 enables Scottish Ministers to set the Strategic Police Priorities, providing high-level direction for the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland. They connect with the Act's statutory policing principles that 'the main purpose of policing is to improve the safety and wellbeing of persons, localities and communities in Scotland'. This review of the SPPs will help to ensure that the policing planning system is responsive to emerging threats and the changing needs of individuals and our communities, as well as reflecting progress in operational delivery and ongoing transformation of the service.

These revised Strategic Police Priorities have been developed following a public consultation, and an associated programme of engagement with partners across Scotland. The SPA and Police Scotland will use these SPPs to inform both the Strategic and Annual Police Plans, which will include putting in place objectives for the police service and the activities which will deliver them.

We expect that these priorities will remain in place for a period of 6 years, with a plan to consult the SPA, Police Scotland and local authorities, who are the key partners specified within the Act, at the mid-point of 3 years. This will help us to consider whether the SPPs still remain relevant and appropriate.

The new revised SPPs are as follows:

Crime and Security – prioritises prevention, detection, investigation, equality and human rights to support positive criminal justice outcomes; responds to threats, and maintains public order, both locally and nationally.

Confidence – continues to inspire public trust by being ethical, open and transparent; maintains relationships and engages with local communities, to build a positive reputation at a local, national and international level.

Partnerships – works collaboratively to keep communities safe, sharing a collective responsibility to deliver preventative services that improve outcomes for individuals, increase resilience and address vulnerability.

Sustainability – adapts resources and plans for both current and future social, economic and financial circumstances, considering the environmental impact of policing and its operations.

People – values, supports, engages and empowers a diverse workforce to lead and deliver high quality services, with a focus on workforce development and overall wellbeing.

Evidence – uses evidence to innovate and develop services which address the current and emerging needs of individuals and local communities, and ensure that resources, capacity and skills are in the right place to deliver outcomes.

For further information please contact:

Police Division
Scottish Government
1st Floor Rear
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG