Police Scotland and Scottish Government meeting: February 2025

Attendees and apologies

• Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs
• Jo Farrell, Chief Constable, Police Scotland
• Jane Connors, Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland
• Alan Speirs, Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland
• James Gray, Chief Financial Officer, Police Scotland
• Penelope Cooper, Deputy Director, Police Division, Police Scotland
• Louise Johnston, Policy Officer, Police Division, Police Scotland (note)

Items and actions

Sheku Bayoh public inquiry

The Chief Constable and the Cabinet Secretary noted the announcement made by the Deputy First Minister not to extend the Terms of Reference of the inquiry.

Sentencing review

The Chief Constable raised that the Chair of the new independent Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission has written to the Chief Constable regarding the work it is undertaking on sentencing review. The Chief Constable will engage with the Chair on this.

Secure accommodation

The Cabinet Secretary and Chief Constable reflected on the current issue of secure accommodation for children and the need for contingency capacity.

Police complaints

The Cabinet Secretary raised recent parliamentary engagement with Douglas Ross MSP regarding Police Scotland’s complaints process. DCC Spiers reassured the Cabinet Secretary that the process was being closely monitored.

Police dog insurance

The Chief Constable provided the Cabinet Secretary with reassurance regarding this, on animal welfare and the value of animals in policing.

Policing budget 2025-26

The Police Scotland budget was discussed.

3 Year business plan

The Chief Constable noted that Police Scotland have commenced developing year two of the business plan. The business plan supports Police Scotland’s ability to deliver on the pillars of the three year plan including community policing.

The Chief Constable provided assurance that the roll out of body worn video later this month has been well planned for, and is confident about the positive impact its implementation will have.

Police officer pay

The recent settlement process was discussed, and the Cabinet Secretary was assured that work is underway to ensure this progresses more swiftly next year. 

UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill

The Chief Constable provided reassurance that Police Scotland were involved in the planning for this event.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The Chief Constable raised the upcoming Commonwealth Games and assured the Cabinet Secretary that Police Scotland is engaged in the event planning. They are awaiting finalisation of the programme from the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Staff Survey and Mental Health First Aiders

In response to Willie Rennie MSPs concern, the Cabinet Secretary raised that she is aware Police Scotland is committed to regular staff surveys and firmly supports this.