Police Scotland and Scottish Government meeting: August 2026

Attendees and apologies

• Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice 
• Jo Farrell, Chief Constable, Police Scotland  
• Stuart Houston, Temporary Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland 
• Bex Smith, Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland 
• Kerry Morgan, Deputy Director, Police Division, Scottish Government 
• Kevin Lee, Police Division, Scottish Government (note)

Items and actions

Medium term financial plan and 2027-28 budget submission

The Cabinet Secretary opened the discussion by thanking the Chief Constable for facilitating his recent summer visits, noting that they had been extremely valuable in helping him develop his understanding of policing and the wider justice portfolio.

The Chief Constable outlined Police Scotland's priorities for 2027-28, and the investment required to respond to emerging and increasing threats. She noted that the level of funding available would have a direct impact on the service's ability to deliver the next phase of police reform.

The Chief Constable highlighted Police Scotland's focus on prevention and early intervention, particularly in relation to community safety and tackling violence against women and girls. She emphasised the wider benefits that investment in policing can deliver for communities and public services.

The Cabinet Secretary reflected on his recent engagements across the justice portfolio and highlighted the importance of improving data integration across operational partners. In the context of future investment, he noted the value of a strong evidence base demonstrating how funding can support prevention and earlier intervention to improve outcomes and reduce future demand on public services.

Police vetting: progress on re-vetting serving officers

The Cabinet Secretary welcomed the Chief Constable's recent announcement to the Scottish Police Authority Board that she had commissioned an independent review following the Greer case. While acknowledging that vetting and workforce management are operational matters for Police Scotland, he noted the significant public interest in the issue and sought assurance that the programme of re-vetting serving officers was being progressed as a priority.

The Chief Constable welcomed the introduction of the Police Vetting Regulations, which came into force in April 2026, and advised that work to implement the new arrangements was underway. She noted that delivering a programme of re-vetting across the workforce would require sustained investment and resources to support its implementation.

The Cabinet Secretary reflected on the recent HMICS conduct review and noted that he would continue to seek assurance from the Scottish Police Authority on progress in responding to the Inspectorate's recommendations.

Off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters

The Cabinet Secretary reflected on his recent engagement with Police Scotland's Head of Roads Policing and thanked Police Scotland for its ongoing work in this area. He noted concerns about the safety and community impact of the misuse of off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters.

He reiterated his commitment to strengthening seizure powers where appropriate and outlined the context of his recent correspondence with Police Scotland. He explained that this was intended to ensure that the Scottish Government had fully explored the powers available within devolved competence and to help inform any future legislative action in this area.

The Chief Constable agreed with the concerns raised regarding the misuse of these vehicles and noted the impact they can have on communities. She advised that Police Scotland was preparing a response to the Scottish Government's recent letter and would continue to engage on the issue.

Escorting renewable energy equipment

The Cabinet Secretary sought views on the use of private escorts for abnormal loads associated with renewable energy projects, noting that such arrangements are already in place in England.

The Chief Constable confirmed her support for the proposition and noted that it aligns with a recommendation made by HMICS. She recognised the significant economic benefits associated with renewable energy developments but highlighted the challenges that increasing demand for escorts places on Roads Policing resources.

DCC Houston noted that Police Scotland would continue to have an important role in the strategic planning, coordination and authorisation of such movements to ensure there is no impact on critical infrastructure or wider public safety. He advised that a private escort model is already in operation in England and has been shown to work effectively.

HMICS Annual Report and Live Facial Recognition

The Cabinet Secretary invited views on HMICS's recent comments regarding the potential use of Live Facial Recognition technology to help tackle football-related disorder.

The Chief Constable noted that the technology is already used by a number of police forces elsewhere in the UK, as well as by Border Force in England and Wales. She highlighted the benefits it has demonstrated in supporting the identification of high-risk individuals and wider public safety objectives.

The Chief Constable recognised the ethical considerations associated with the use of such technology and noted that a national conversation has taken place in Scotland on its potential use. She advised that Police Scotland is giving the issue active consideration and that any proposal would require a clear business case and consideration through the Scottish Police Authority's governance processes.

The Cabinet Secretary and Chief Constable also reflected on the Inspector's comments regarding the independent review of disorder at the March Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox. They discussed the work being taken forward with the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Professional Football League and noted the importance of football clubs playing an active role in supporting efforts to improve safety and behaviour at matches.

Reflection on Cabinet Secretary visit to Orkney

The Cabinet Secretary reflected on his recent visit to Orkney, where he had heard about challenges associated with accessing Drug Wipe kits for roadside testing on the island. He asked about Police Scotland's current thinking on the wider use of Drug Wipe testing beyond Roads Policing, following the pilots that have been undertaken through Operation Seltern.

DCC Smith advised that the future development of the capability remains under active consideration. She noted that decisions on wider deployment would require consideration of the impacts across the wider justice system, including forensic services and the criminal justice process.

The Cabinet Secretary also reflected on discussions during his visit regarding communications and public engagement on the islands. He asked whether more could be done to improve how Police Scotland communicates and reports on current issues affecting island communities. DCC Smith acknowledged the importance of effective local communication and noted that Police Scotland would reflect further on the issues raised.