Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing

Overview

On 13 June 2019 the Cabinet Secretary for Justice appeared before the Scottish Parliament’s Sub-Committee on Policing in relation to their report into Police Scotland’s use of digital triage devices. During this appearance, the Cabinet Secretary  announced his intention to form an independent advisory group (IAG) to scope the possible legal and ethical issues arising from emerging technological developments. 

The purpose of the IAG is to ensure Police Scotland’s use of emerging technologies in relation to operational policing is compatible with equality and human rights legislation and best practice. 

The group published their final report in February 2023. Read the Scottish Government response to this report (February 2023).

Members

• Dr Elizabeth Aston, Edinburgh Napier University (Chair)
• Andrew Hendry, Chief Digital Information Officer for Police Scotland 
• Barry Sillers, Scottish Police Authority 
• Bill Stevenson, Equality and Human Rights Commission
• Jenny Brotchie, Information Commissioner's Office
• Georgie Henley, techUK
• Professor Burkhard Schafer, Edinburgh University
• Dr Angela Daly, Strathclyde University
• Professor Bill Buchanan, Napier University
• Elaine Galbraith, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland
• Craig Naylor, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland
• Stephen Ferguson, The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service 
• Ken Dalling, President of the Law Society of Scotland

Workstreams established to progress IAG’s work

Read more about additional individuals/organisations which have been invited to contribute to the work of the group.

The IAG and specific workstreams could ask possible additional organisations and individuals to contribute to the group's work via written/oral evidence as is their remit.

Meetings

See: 

• second meeting of the Independent Advisory Group on Emerging Technologies in Policing (blog post)

Documents

• Policing emerging technologies report: Scottish Government response
• Independent review – Independent advisory group on new and emerging technologies in policing: final report
• Research evidence, technological innovation and scientific standards in policing workstream report
• Legal frameworks and ethical standards workstream report: Final Report
• Oversight, scrutiny and review workstream report
• Review of emerging technologies in policing: findings and recommendations
• Informed decision-making, community engagement and participation workstream report
• Independent Advisory Group on Emerging Technologies in Policing minutes: October 2022
• Independent Advisory Group on Emerging Technologies in Policing minutes: August 2022
• Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing minutes: June 2022
• Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing minutes: May 2022
• Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing minutes: February 2022
• Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing minutes: November 2021
• Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing minutes: August 2021
• Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing: minutes May 2021
• Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing: minutes March 2021
• Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing: minutes December 2020
• Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing: terms of reference
• Independent advisory group on emerging technologies in policing: purpose and remit