Draft Strategic Police Priorities for Scotland

Date: 27th July 2016
Category: Special protection measures

The Strategic Police Priorities provide the top level framework for what is expected of Scotland's police service. This review provides an opportunity to discuss what is seen as the key outcomes from the next phase of police refor

In September 2015, the Scottish Government set out its intention to work with members of the public, communities and elected representatives to review its national priorities for policing. These national priorities are set under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (the Act) and are more commonly referred to as the Strategic Police Priorities.

The Strategic Police Priorities provide the top level framework for what is expected of Scotland's police service. The current priorities were set in 2013 in the context of the creation of a new national police force and police authority.

There have been changes made since 2013 in delivering police reform, in terms of protecting front line resources alongside budget cuts and building national capabilities that would have been beyond the means of most of the predecessor forces. The process of reform has presented challenges and it is important that Scottish Government learn from these, using past experiences.

The review of the Strategic Police Priorities provides an opportunity to discuss the key outcomes from the next phase of reform and ensure policing is reflective of the needs of communities across the country.

• Download the Draft Strategic Police Priorities for Scotland consultation paper here.
• Respond online here.