Police Scotland and Scottish Government meeting: June 2026

Attendees and apologies

• Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice 
• Jo Farrell, Chief Constable, Police Scotland  
• Alan Speirs, Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland   
• Don McGillivray, Director of Safer Communities, Scottish Government  
• Lynsey McKean, Police Division, Scottish Government   (note)

Items and actions

Reflections on Edinburgh attacks

The Cabinet Secretary opened the discussion by thanking the Chief Constable for her officer’s professionalism, bravery and skill in bringing this incident under control. The Chief Constable set out the operational arrangements in place to protect the public, maintain community relations and uphold public confidence. The robust policing response, alongside continued community engagement has helped to build trust and confidence.

The Cabinet Secretary reflected on the wider unrest compounded by wider protest activity and events across the UK and internationally. He expressed concern about ongoing disorder, including instances of discriminatory or racist behaviour. He raised concerns regarding the tone and rhetoric being used within some protests, suggesting that further discussion would be beneficial about what more could be done in the preventative space, including strengthening community cohesion.  The role of mask wearing and perceived anonymity in contributing to poor behaviour was noted.

The Chief Constable set out that Police Scotland’s approach to managing protests is grounded in a human rights-based framework, ensuring consistency and parity of response across the country. She also highlighted the experience and professionalism of commanders leading these events in ensuring public safety.

Public Service Reform (PSR) and workforce mix

The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that significant police reform has already taken place, particularly with the creation of Police Scotland in 2012. He noted his discussion with the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform and suggested further engagement with Police Scotland to explore what lessons could be learned.

The Cabinet Secretary invited the Chief Constable’s views on public service reform, and the contribution Police Scotland can make, particularly in relation to workforce modernisation.

The Chief Constable highlighted the importance of approaching workforce modernisation through a focus on threat, harm and risk, and progressing change through small, incremental steps. She noted that the role of non-warranted officers is not yet fully utilised and that there is scope to make better use of both warranted and non-warranted officer skillsets, which would improve outcomes while delivering best value. She also emphasised the importance of digital transformation, noting that many functions can be effectively delivered by non-warranted staff.

The Cabinet secretary indicated he would need to understand the evidence base as to how such changes could meet the objectives of public service reform.

Mental health and policing

The Cabinet Secretary opened the discussion by reflecting on his knowledge and experience in this area from his time as Cabinet Secretary for Health. He invited the Chief Constable’s views on the current position and what further progress is required.

The Chief Constable stated that frontline policing has yet to fully feel the impact of change. She outlined that Police Scotland has plans in place to reduce demand on C3 call handling, including changes to call management processes which will involve a move from warm to cold transfers to the NHS24 mental health pathway. The use of Body Worn Video is also intended to support faster and improved handovers at emergency departments.

However, she emphasised that further progress is needed, particularly in the non-urgent space. This includes developing a more joined up response to physical health, mental health distress, addiction and wider social issues, with consistent 24/7 provision. She noted the absence of flexible response options, particularly outwith core hours, as a key challenge.

The Chief Constable reflected positively on a recent meeting with NHS Board Chief Executives but stated that greater pace is needed to address the remaining issues. The Cabinet Secretary noted he would raise these issues with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care.

Family C and Scottish Child Interview Model

The Cabinet Secretary expressed his deep concern over the Family C case. He invited the Chief Constable’s views, particularly in relation to the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM).

The Chief Constable set out Police Scotland’s position, noting their policy aim of undertaking a single interview wherever possible. She highlighted that SCIM has made significant progress towards achieving this but emphasised the need to embed a trauma-informed approach more consistently across the wider justice system. She also noted that, as a national police service, policies are developed and applied consistently across Scotland.

The Cabinet Secretary asked in longer time for Police Scotland to provide reflections on whether the appropriate balance is currently being achieved between securing evidential requirements and protecting the wellbeing and rights of children involved in complex investigations and whether there are areas where additional changes or safeguards may be required, including through guidance, governance arrangements or operational practice.

Commonwealth Games Preparedness

The Chief Constable provided an update on preparedness for the Commonwealth Games, noting that planning has drawn on learning from previous major events and has been undertaken well in advance. She advised that workforce planning is well established, with officers clear on their deployment. She highlighted that a number of independent reviews have been undertaken to assess Police Scotland’s preparedness, all of which have provided positive assurance. She spoke about the strength of partnership working with Glasgow City partners, which include co-location arrangements. She highlighted cyber threats as a less traditional risk that now requires significant attention.

HMICS Conduct report and forthcoming conduct regulations

The Cabinet Secretary asked for the Chief Constable’s reflections on the HMICS Conduct Report, seeking assurance on how Police Scotland is responding to the findings of the review.

DCC Speirs confirmed that Police Scotland is broadly accepting of the recommendations and is in a strong position to progress work at pace to address the findings. He spoke about the forthcoming regulations under the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Act 2025 as helping to shape the direction of reform in this area and that Police Scotland’s requirements have been reflected through engagement with the ongoing conduct regulations consultation. He highlighted that the Scottish Police Authority has a key role in relation to senior officer conduct.

The Chief Constable also noted that the proposed regulations represent an essential modernisation of the current framework.