Police Scotland and Scottish Government meeting: February 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 
• Steven Bunch, Team Leader, Police Division, Scottish Government  

Items and actions

Budget and workforce planning

The Chief Constable described the landscape for policing, operational demands and the pressures on workforce capacity. She reinforced the role of the prevention agenda and her desire to reform and ensure the workforce meets requirements to prevent harm and ensure public safety. She also set out efficiencies being made and options appraised.   

The Chief Constable set out the budgetary challenges and her desire to enable Police Scotland to meet current and future operational challenges, including giving evidence to public inquiries.

Officer intake and numbers were discussed. DCC Speirs also set out the benefits of proposed joint work with SG officials to make changes to planned publications re officer numbers.

The Cabinet Secretary provided an overview of the Scottish budgetary context, reflecting on the difficult choices but noting the compelling argument for grass roots and community policing and prevention being critical for wider society.  

The Cabinet Secretary noted the strategic direction set out by the Chief Constable, particularly around specialist work, the visibility and responsiveness of officers.

HMICS Best Value Inspection report

The Chief Constable noted the findings and recommendations of the Best Value review which were primarily positive although. . Police Scotland had work to do on delivering on recommendations. She also flagged that  the report set out some constraints on Police Scotland. Longer term the aim is to ensure Police Scotland has the best configuration of resources to meet their responsibilities.

Child sexual abuse and exploitation  

The Chief Constable noted the ongoing work in this area.  

Domestic abuse protection orders (DAPOs)

The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged potential operational and resource implications for Police Scotland and noted that this was one of the reasons for looking at what changes may be required to the legislation before it can be implemented. There will be further opportunities for hearing views on what these will look like as part of planned dialogue where issues can be raised and addressed where possible. The Cabinet Secretary offered to hear any specific concerns from Police Scotland and noted that there were ongoing discussions with Police Scotland and partners through the work of the DAPO short life working group.