Police Scotland and Scottish Government meeting: April 2026

Attendees and apologies

• Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs 
• Jo Farrell, Chief Constable, Police Scotland 
• Alan Speirs, Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland  
• Kerry Morgan, Deputy Director, Police Division, Scottish Government 
• Clare McLachlan, Police Division, Scottish Government  
• Cait Fitzhugh, Police Division, Scottish Government 

Items and actions

Public holiday arrangements

Police Scotland provided an update on ongoing discussions regarding the proposed public holiday and the associated workforce, cost, and planning implications. It was noted that a number of options have been explored, but no agreed position has been reached. 

The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that decision making is constrained during the pre-election period and confirmed that no decision can be taken at this stage. She emphasised the importance of having a clear and comprehensive understanding of overall cost, operational impact, and deliverability, and confirmed that the issue will need to be revisited following the election.

Mental health and policing

Police Scotland outlined its intention to reset its approach to mental health related demand, reflecting longstanding challenges and the limits of what can be addressed through a police response alone.

A phased approach will take place to reduce Police Scotland’s involvement in responses that do not require police attendance, supported by a structured timeline that more strongly enforces access to health services, with members of the public directed to use the NHS 24 Mental Health Pathway to receive appropriate support. The use of body-worn video will further assist officers by enabling a supportive, evidenced transfer of care within hospital settings.

The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the risks associated with change, agreeing that a rebalancing is necessary to ensure that policing capacity remains focused on core responsibilities. She reiterated the need for stronger cross-government and cross-system ownership, improved use of data, and clearer collective accountability for outcomes.

Strategic Police Priorities

The Cabinet Secretary confirmed that work on refreshed Strategic Police Priorities is being aligned with parliamentary timescales and the appointment of new Ministers. She indicated that this presents an opportunity to take a refreshed and focused approach.

There was shared agreement on the importance of a small number of clear, high impact priorities that build on existing strategies and partnership working, support delivery, and avoid protracted engagement processes. Officials have already begun preliminary discussions with key stakeholders, including Police Scotland, largely aimed at setting the scene for the months of activity that lie ahead.

Drug driving enforcement

Police Scotland provided an update on current drug driving activity, noting encouraging detection outcomes from existing approaches but ongoing constraints related to cost and capacity. It was recognised that drug driving represents an increasing area of concern, with current activity limited by resource pressures rather than operational viability.

The Cabinet Secretary noted the significance of the issue and sought assurance around current risks. It was agreed that this area would benefit from further consideration in due course, including how activity might be sustained or developed within current constraints.

Misogyny case – learning

The Cabinet Secretary raised a recent case referenced publicly in relation to a breach of an individual’s personal data, seeking assurance that appropriate learning had been identified and addressed. Police Scotland confirmed that learning has been captured and that actions have been taken to improve clarity, strengthen processes, and reduce the risk of recurrence.